Gangwon Province Focuses on Hydrogen as Future Growth Engine... Accelerating Major Shift to 'Coal Industry Transition Areas' in Former Mining Regions

Gangwon Future Industry Bureau Confirms 293.1 Billion Won Investment for 2026
Focused on Hydrogen Industry Results and Transition of Former Mining Areas
Key Projects: Economic Promotion in Taebaek and Samcheok, Coal Stone Resource Utilization

The Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Global Headquarters (Director: Son Changhwan) announced on December 16 that it has allocated a budget of 293.1 billion won (41.6 billion won from the general and special accounts, and 251.5 billion won from funds) for the Future Industry Bureau in 2026.

A view of Gangwon Provincial Government Building. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government

This budget will be used to advance the hydrogen industry, one of Gangwon’s seven major future strategic industries, and to support the restructuring of the industrial structure and economic recovery in former mining areas.

Key budget allocations in the general and special accounts include 6.9 billion won for the establishment of a hydrogen storage and transportation cluster, 25.7 billion won for the supply of hydrogen electric vehicles, 2 billion won for support of hydrogen charging stations and production facilities, and 100 million won (new) for the construction of a clean methanol production facility in Taebaek City.

The Former Mining Area Development Fund totals 247.6 billion won, with 114.2 billion won allocated to cities and counties in former mining areas, 11.3 billion won to support companies relocating to these areas, and 400 million won (new) for the development and operation of tourism products.

The Anthracite Coal Stockpile Management Fund is set at 3.9 billion won to support the operation of coal stone demonstration infrastructure and the construction of integrated public rental housing in Taebaek City.

Meanwhile, the “Economic Promotion Project for Former Mining Areas,” which passed the preliminary feasibility study this year, and the “Localization of Safety Devices for Liquid Hydrogen Tank Trailers,” selected through a new public offering, are scheduled to be included in next year’s supplementary budget after undergoing local financial investment reviews and other procedures.

Based on the secured budget, the province plans to further accelerate each project in 2026. For the hydrogen storage and transportation cluster project, a total project cost of 52 billion won will be invested, with the Industrial Promotion Center and Safety Testing Center scheduled to break ground in March next year. The Samcheok Hydrogen Metering Reliability Infrastructure Project will also receive 7.2 billion won, with construction of the Reliability Center set to begin in April next year.

For the Economic Promotion Project, the goal is to pass the central investment review by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety. Next year, the province will carry out preliminary procedures such as basic and detailed design and land compensation to prepare for construction. In addition, to enable the early operation of the clean methanol production facility, the province will invest 100 million won of its own funds, continuously expanding the foundation for fostering alternative industries.

The project to support the operation of demonstration infrastructure for coal stone resource utilization will also invest a total of 500 million won to establish industrial certification standards, maintain and repair raw material supply systems, and operate testing and evaluation equipment.

Son Changhwan, Director of the Global Headquarters, stated, "The hydrogen industry is a key strategic project directly linked to the future economic growth of our province, and we have been pursuing various projects to achieve tangible results that residents can feel." He added, "Former mining areas have gained an opportunity to transform into new centers of future industries with the passage of the economic promotion project’s preliminary feasibility study, and with the revision of the law, the term 'former mining area' will be changed to 'coal industry transition area' starting in April next year."

He went on to say, "Next year, we will do our utmost to ensure that projects supporting the hydrogen industry and revitalizing former mining areas are carried out smoothly as planned, in order to realize a global city for future industries."