Gangwon Province Holds "The Challenge Continues. Begin Again" Commemorative Ceremony in Dogye

Province to Strengthen Preservation of Mining Heritage and Foster Alternative Industries
Dogye Area to See 1.48 Trillion Won Economic Impact and 18,500 New Jobs

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced on the 28th that it held the "The Challenge Continues. Begin Again" commemorative ceremony on the 26th at the Samcheok Dogye Mining Site. The event was attended by Kim Gwangrae, Vice Governor for Economic Affairs of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province; Park Sangsoo, Mayor of Samcheok; Lee Wonjoo, Director General for Energy Policy at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy; National Assemblyman Lee Cheolgyu; as well as provincial and city council members and approximately 1,000 local residents.

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province held the "The Challenge Continues. Begin Again" commemorative ceremony on the 26th at the Samcheok Dogye Mining Site. Provided by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

The commemorative ceremony began with an opening event, followed by an exhibition showcasing the history of miners in connection with the closure of the Dogye Mining Site, and a theater festival depicting the lives of miners. Various programs were also held, including the creation of an experiential space where local residents could learn about the history of miners.

Since its opening in 1936, the Samcheok Dogye Mining Site has produced about 43 million tons of coal, driving the nation’s industrial development. In particular, during the 1960s after the Korean War, it served as a key energy source for international economic development and played a central role in the Samcheok economy. However, following the coal industry rationalization policy, the coal industry rapidly declined, leading to the closure of 10 out of 12 mines in the Dogye area by 1996. With the closure of the Dogye Mining Site this year, the once-thriving coal industry has now become a chapter in the region’s industrial history.

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, concerned about population decline and job losses in Samcheok Dogye after the mine closure, has been working since 2023 to discover new growth engines through the "Economic Promotion Project Plan." As part of this, the province has developed the "Heavy Ion Accelerator-Based Medical Industry Cluster" project in Samcheok Dogye. Through close cooperation with various institutions and thorough preparation, the project successfully passed the major hurdle of the preliminary feasibility study on August 20.

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province held the "The Challenge Continues. Begin Again" commemorative ceremony on the 26th at the Samcheok Dogye Mining Site. Provided by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

This project is expected to generate an economic impact of approximately 1.48 trillion won and create 18,500 jobs in the Dogye area, paving the way for the region to become an advanced medical city where young people can pursue their dreams without having to leave.

Vice Governor for Economic Affairs Kim Gwangrae stated, "This commemorative ceremony is an occasion to remember the sacrifices and history of Dogye’s miners, as well as a starting point for Dogye to move forward with new hope and challenges," adding, "Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province will provide full support so that the region can rise again."