Samsung, Military, and Government to Supply Water to Frontline GOP... Launching 'Water Positive' Initiative

Implementing the Water Positive Initiative
Securing Water Restoration and Supplying Water for Soldiers
"A Model Case in the Era of Climate Crisis"

Samsung Electronics, the military, and the government are launching an eco-friendly project to supply clean water in a stable manner by constructing an underground reservoir structure made of sand layers near the frontline General Outpost (GOP) in Gangwon Province, which filters out pollutants.

On January 14, the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment announced that it would sign a joint implementation agreement in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, with Samsung Electronics, the Army’s 2nd Corps, Korea Water Resources Corporation, and the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology to cooperate on the Sand Spring project. The goal is to provide a stable supply of clean water to the frontline General Outpost (GOP) in Gangwon Province.

A Sand Spring refers to a type of underground reservoir where a layer of sand is stacked on impervious bedrock in valleys or rivers, storing water in the pores between the sand particles.

This project, being carried out as part of the 'Water Positive' initiative, will install a Sand Spring near the General Outpost (GOP) in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province. The aim is to secure an alternative water source even during droughts and other climate crises, thereby establishing a sustainable water supply system.

Sand Spring Conceptual Diagram, Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment

Water Positive is a concept in which companies return more water to nature than they withdraw and use, thereby contributing to sustainable water management. Globally, leading companies such as Microsoft and Google are actively pursuing this as part of their eco-friendly water management practices.

Through this Sand Spring project agreement, the participating organizations will not only secure water restoration and make environmental contributions to Hwacheon County, but also provide clean water that soldiers can drink with confidence.

Samsung Electronics will share the project costs. The Army’s 2nd Corps will provide the site for the Sand Spring, support permits and approvals, and handle facility maintenance and management. Korea Water Resources Corporation and the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology will be responsible for basic research, design, and construction. The Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment plans to certify the restored water volume once the Sand Spring installation is completed in the second half of 2027.

Cho Heesong, Director of Water Management Policy at the Ministry, stated, "The Sand Spring project is a model case of water management that can resolve water issues in remote mountainous areas in the era of climate crisis. Through corporate Water Positive practices, this initiative will not only restore water to the region but also serve as an opportunity for the public and private sectors to enhance the sustainability of water management together."