Gangwon Province Extends Seoraksan Osaek Cable Car Park Project Permit Until 2027

Seoraksan Osaek Cable Car Aims for Completion by 2027
Project Period Extended, Safety Measures Strengthened... "Proceeding as Planned"
Top Priority on Construction Safety, Including Temporary Cable Car Installation

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced on December 30 that the permit period for the Seoraksan Osaek Cable Car installation project has been extended until December 31, 2027, in accordance with relevant laws and regulations. The project is proceeding as scheduled.

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

According to the conditions of the park project implementation permit, if it is difficult to complete the construction within the original permit period, an extension can be requested. Yangyang County lawfully applied for the extension with the necessary documents before the permit expired, and after review by the Seoraksan National Park Office, the extension was finally approved.

In response to recent concerns raised by some regarding the safety of the temporary cable car installation and operation, the provincial government explained, "The temporary cable car is an interim facility for the main construction. We will strictly apply safety standards in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, such as those announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, for its installation and operation."

The temporary cable car will reflect the safety inspection standards of the Korea Transportation Safety Authority from the design stage, and it can only be operated after passing the completion (safety) inspection once installation is finished. In addition, during operation, safety management will be the top priority, including immediately suspending operation if wind speed exceeds the set standard.

National Assemblyman Lee Yangsoo (representing Sokcho, Inje, Goseong, and Yangyang) stated, "Although there have been many challenges over the decades for this long-cherished regional project, we have come this far thanks to the united efforts of local residents, the governor, and public officials. We will minimize environmental damage while ensuring meticulous post-management."

Governor Kim Jin-tae said, "As the Osaek Cable Car project has been a long-awaited goal for over 40 years, we will push forward without setbacks and create an eco-friendly, premium cable car where nature and people can coexist."

Going forward, the province will continue to closely cooperate with Yangyang County to thoroughly manage the construction process and safety, and will do its utmost to responsibly carry out the project with full consideration for the natural environment of Seoraksan.