Dongducheon Unveils Mid- to Long-Term Development Blueprint Centered on Four Key Strategies
Dongducheon Eyes Revival with GTX-C Extension and Defense Industry Cluster
On December 23, Dongducheon City in Gyeonggi Province held the final report meeting for the "Dongducheon City Mid- to Long-Term Comprehensive Development Plan Establishment Project" in the city hall situation room, attended by the mayor and about 50 senior officials. At this meeting, the city officially confirmed its mid- to long-term development blueprint, which outlines the fundamental direction and key strategies for municipal administration over the next 10 years.
Dongducheon City held the final report meeting for the "Dongducheon City Mid- to Long-Term Comprehensive Development Plan Establishment Project" on the 23rd at the city hall situation room, attended by the mayor and about 50 senior officials. Provided by Dongducheon City
This plan sets the future vision as "Daily Dynamic City, Dongducheon-A City Full of Vitality Every Day." It is characterized by presenting realistic and phased strategies to maintain and restore urban functions while overcoming the structural limitations posed by the presence of U.S. military bases.
Dongducheon City emphasized that, given the current situation where the return and timing of the U.S. military bases have not been finalized, it is necessary to first clarify the national government's responsibility and establish a financial compensation system, rather than pursuing a development strategy based on large-scale growth and expansion. At the same time, to maintain and promote urban functions under these circumstances, the city has prepared four major strategic focuses aimed at building a self-sustaining urban system.
"No Growth Without Resolving Base Issues"-Call for Stronger National Responsibility
The plan proposes to establish the issue of long-term unreturned military base areas as a national agenda, beyond the scope of individual regions, by enacting a special law to support these areas, introducing a national-led "support first, develop later" system, and regularly operating research projects and forums on base issues. It also provides an institutional foundation for discussions to resolve these issues. Furthermore, the city recognizes this matter not merely as a land use issue, but as a prerequisite for the city's very existence, and plans to continue seeking solutions through cooperation with the central government and Gyeonggi Province.
Transitioning to a Sustainable, Self-Sustaining City Focused on Maintaining and Preserving Urban Functions
To respond to rapid demographic changes and urban aging, the city has also developed a strategy focused on maintaining and preserving urban functions. Efforts include preparing for the aging of city areas such as Songnae and Jihaeng, supporting the repair of aging buildings, and maintaining essential medical facilities and living infrastructure, all aimed at transforming Dongducheon into a "city where daily life continues." This strategy is designed to build a sustainable, self-sustaining urban model tailored to Dongducheon's circumstances, rather than pursuing indiscriminate expansion.
Building the Foundation for Regional Revitalization Through Industry, Tourism, and Transportation Integration
The plan also presents a strategy for regional revitalization by organically linking industry, tourism, and transportation. This includes activating the "three tourism axes" connecting Wangbang, Sincheon, and Soyo Mountain, restructuring industrial park sectors, establishing the second-phase national industrial complex as a defense industry cluster, and extending the GTX-C line and expanding the metropolitan transportation network. By creating a structure where residential, tourism, and industrial hubs are interconnected rather than fragmented, the city aims to simultaneously attract new residents, increase visitor demand, and strengthen its industrial base, thus establishing a foundation for complex growth.
Education and Talent Development as the Core Drivers of the City's Future
The plan also includes future city strategies centered on education and talent development, such as officially designating the city as a special education development zone, increasing per-student educational investment, and promoting the introduction of special admissions for residents living near U.S. military bases. Education is viewed not merely as a welfare or support policy, but as a core competitive factor that determines the city's sustainability and growth potential. The city plans to systematically foster education through institutional, financial, and linkage policies.
Park Hyungdeok, Mayor of Dongducheon, stated, "This comprehensive mid- to long-term development plan is not just a reference document, but a strategic blueprint that will serve as the standard for municipal administration and departmental project planning over the next 10 years. We will steadfastly pursue the resolution of base issues and the restoration of urban functions-structural challenges that will drive tangible changes felt by our citizens."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
