Mayors and Governors of Six Cities and Counties Adopt Joint Petition
Request for Inclusion in the 7th Comprehensive Airport Development Plan
Commitment to Shared Prosperity Through the Internationalization of Wonju (Hoengseong) Airport
On November 24, six cities and counties in the southern Gangwon region (Wonju, Hoengseong, Yeongwol, Pyeongchang, Jeongseon, and Taebaek) adopted a joint petition at the Inter-Burgo Hotel Wonju, requesting the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport to include the "Internationalization Project of Wonju (Hoengseong) Airport" in the 7th Comprehensive Airport Development Plan.
Six cities and counties in the southern Gangwon region (Wonju, Hoengseong, Yeongwol, Pyeongchang, Jeongseon, and Taebaek) adopted a joint petition on the 24th at the Inter-Burgo Hotel Wonju, requesting the inclusion of the "Wonju (Hoengseong) Airport Internationalization Project" in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's "7th Comprehensive Airport Development Plan." Provided by Wonju City
At the signing ceremony, all the mayors and county governors of the six cities and counties in southern Gangwon-including Won Kangsu, Mayor of Wonju; Kim Myungki, Governor of Hoengseong; Lee Sangho, Mayor of Taebaek; Choi Myungseo, Governor of Yeongwol; Shim Jaeguk, Governor of Pyeongchang; and Choi Seungjun, Governor of Jeongseon-were present, uniting their commitment to advancing the internationalization of Wonju (Hoengseong) Airport.
The adoption of this joint petition reflects a shared understanding that the internationalization of Wonju (Hoengseong) Airport is a key infrastructure project to revitalize the stagnant economy of southern Gangwon and drive joint prosperity. It was prepared to call for active government support and action in this regard.
The main points of the petition include the urgent regional issues facing southern Gangwon, the need for new breakthroughs, the economic ripple effects of Wonju (Hoengseong) Airport, and a call for proactive decisions from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. The petition is scheduled to be delivered to the ministry through the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province.
If facilities at Wonju (Hoengseong) Airport are improved to accommodate international flights, it is expected not only to revitalize the local economy in southern Gangwon, but also to help bridge the gap between the Seoul metropolitan area and non-metropolitan regions, providing an important breakthrough for the development of the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province.
Meanwhile, in January, Wonju City adopted a petition at the city council level, and in February, Wonju City and Hoengseong County held a joint petition signing ceremony to express their strong desire and determination to attract international flights to the local community. In March and September, private civic organizations expanded public consensus through promotional campaigns and resolution rallies.
Mayor Won Kangsu of Wonju stated, "If an international air route opens in southern Gangwon, the influx of foreign tourists will increase dramatically, creating a synergy effect among the tourism resources of each city and county. This will lead to the creation of new jobs and the revitalization of local businesses, laying the foundation for shared prosperity throughout southern Gangwon."
He added, "I hope that all 550,000 residents of southern Gangwon will unite their strength to support the internationalization of Wonju (Hoengseong) Airport."
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