Reinventing Urban Value Through Smart Agriculture, National Projects, and Festival Branding
Bonghwa County in North Gyeongsang Province announced on the 27th that Governor Park Hyunguk received the Urban Brand for Economic Development award at the '2025 Korea Economy Illuminating Figure & Management' ceremony.
This awards ceremony, hosted by the Maekyung Media Group and supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT, the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, and the Ministry of SMEs and Startups, is a leading economic leadership event that recognizes business leaders and local government heads who have contributed to national development in various fields.
Since taking office, Governor Park has led the structural leap of Bonghwa’s economy. By introducing smart farms and ICT-based agriculture, he increased agricultural productivity, and by fostering young entrepreneurial farmers and supporting management stability, he established a sustainable foundation for the rural economy. He also received high marks for substantially raising farm household incomes by branding local specialties and expanding distribution networks.
The diversification of the local economy has also advanced. By simultaneously nurturing small and medium-sized enterprises and new industries, he established new pillars of growth. The attraction of the Bonghwa pumped-storage power plant, a project worth 1.5 trillion won, is considered a strategic achievement that will generate jobs and significant economic impact in the region-an unprecedented large-scale national project for a county-level area.
Additionally, Bonghwa County has expanded its global reach by establishing the 'K-Vietnam Valley' and improved the multicultural settlement environment. The county has also strengthened the competitiveness of its cultural and tourism industries by developing the Sweetfish Festival into a nationally recognized brand.
Efforts have also been focused on improving residents’ quality of life. With the expansion of public healthcare, improvements to welfare and educational infrastructure, upgrades to residential environments, and the enhancement of living SOC, Bonghwa County’s settlement environment has been significantly improved.
Governor Park stated, "With the belief that the nation thrives when rural areas thrive, I have steadfastly pursued policies of innovation and mutual growth," adding, "During the remainder of my term, I will accelerate changes for the happiness of residents and the future of the region."
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