Pyeongchang Benefits Gyeonggi Province’s Economy
(July 19, 2011)

Collaborative efforts with Gangwon Province during second half of year

Strengthened culture, tourism, and transportation infrastructure to maximize mutual benefits

– Gyeonggi Province, an active advocate of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, ties deal to expand cultural, tourist, and transportation infrastructure with Pyeongchang following its selection as an Olympic host. Governor Kim Moon-soo of Gyeonggi Province and Acting Governor Kang Gi-chan of Gangwon Province shake hands at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympic collaborative promotion agreement signing this March. (GNews Plus News)

With Pyeongchang’s selection as the host of the Winter Olympics in 2018, Gyeonggi Province and Gangwon Province have agreed to embark on collaborative efforts to promote the event.

The local government announced on July 19th that it is planning to proceed with a collaborative project with Gangwon Province following Pyeongchang’s selection as the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics.

After the central government implemented the Special Law on the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, including plans to invest KRW 2 trillion in transportation and other infrastructure, Gangwon Province and Gyeonggi Province will maximize mutual benefits by furthering their cooperative efforts.

Many have pointed out that the renewal of Gangwon Province’s weak transportation capacity is the leading priority. New roads and railways will be constructed in preparation for the big event. 

The construction of general railway lines linking Suseo to Pyeongtaek (KTX), Ilsan to Suseo (GTX), Seongnam to Yeoju, Wonju to Gangneung and Suseo to Yongmun are currently under way in accordance with the national railway plan. Therefore, the local government is planning a route between the metropolitan area and Pyeongchang with a travel time of just under two hours.

Gyeonggi Province will also propose east-west expressways connecting Incheon International Airport, Anyang, Seongnam, Gwangju, Wonju and Gangneung with a total length of 252 kilometers. The local government explained that these expressways could be completed by connecting the 56.95 kilometers (2nd Yeongdong Expressway) between Gwangju and Wonju with the 24.9 kilometers between Seongnam and Janghowon, and the 21.82 kilometers between Anyang and Seongnam (2nd Gyeongin Expressway).

The Yangpyeong-Hwoengseong No. 6 National Highway near the Gyeonggi-Gangwon border will be expanded. The national highway linking Gimpo, Paju, Yeongcheon, Cheolwon, Hwacheon, – Yanggu, Inje and Goseong (263.9 kilometers) will be designated as the East West Peace Tourist Road.

Various policies covering a wide range of issues such as culture, tourism, and transportation are under review, and selected items will be acted upon immediately. First and foremost, sports and lodging facilities within the provinces will be utilized to attract training camps for athletes preparing for the Winter Olympics. There are eight ski resorts in seven cities and districts as well as six ice rinks on par with international sports stadiums.

The local governments are also preparing to accommodate the large influx of tourists during the Winter Olympic period. Resorts, spas, hotels, and local tourist authorities will work together to develop attractions catering to tourists. Gapyeong and Yeoju, cities near the inter-provincial border, will be subject to special management for further development.

Tourist attractions around the coastal area are also slated for development. The Universal Studios Resort of Hwaseong and the Gyeongin ARA Waterway will offer cruise tours; tourists will be able to travel the seas of Korea, Japan, and China on cruises during the Winter Olympics; and a tourist package connecting Pyeongtaek Port, Universal Studios Resort and the Gyeongin ARA Waterway is under review.

Beginning in 2007, the Gyeonggi and Gangwon provincial governments have signed three agreements on separate occasions to improve border policies, manage the Hangang River, and expand transportation routes between the two provinces. All three collaborative agreements have proven successful. In March 2011, Gyeonggi Province and Gangwon Province agreed to promote Pyeongchang as host of the 2018 Winter Olympics along with sixteen other policies.

– GNews Plus News | Han Sang-hui gnewshan@gmail.com

http://gnews.gg.go.kr/news/news_detail.asp?number=201107191443082958C052&s_code=C052