Special Interview Lee Hak-su, First Chairman of Gyeonggi Provincial Council's Pyeongtaek-Dangjin Port Special Committee

[News S = Reporter Kim Jong-sik] The People Power Party caucus of the Gyeonggi Provincial Council announced the launch of the 'Pyeongtaek-Dangjin Port Special Committee' on August 29 at the conference room on the 9th floor of the Pyeongtaek-Dangjin Port Marine Center, and appointed Lee Hak-su (Assemblyman for Pyeongtaek City's 5th Electoral District) as the inaugural chairman.

Pyeongtaek-Dangjin Port, Gyeonggi Province's only international trading port, now faces the task of the times to evolve beyond simple logistics into a comprehensive port that integrates tourism, culture, and marine leisure.

Chairman Lee Hak-su reaffirmed the status of Pyeongtaek-Dangjin Port in his inaugural address.

"Pyeongtaek-Dangjin Port has already established itself as one of the nation's five major trading ports, and leads the country in automobile import-export cargo volume. However, as a logistics-focused port alone, it is difficult to maintain sustainable competitiveness against Busan Port and Incheon Port. Now it must be reborn as a comprehensive port that harmoniously integrates tourism, culture, and marine leisure."

He presented the special committee's vision in three parts: First, to create tangible results by reflecting policies and budgets that residents can directly feel. Second, to expand tourism infrastructure linking Pyeongtaek Port and Lake Pyeongtaek and revitalize marine leisure activities. Third, to drive regional economic activation through hinterland development and tourism belt strategy to strengthen logistics functions.

In particular, he demonstrated deep consideration on how to utilize the waterfront space connecting Lake Pyeongtaek to the new international passenger terminal.

"The sea should not be closed off, but open. A port is not simply a place where cargo is loaded and unloaded, but a stage that embraces life and culture, and Pyeongtaek-Dangjin Port stands at the first step in opening that stage," he said.

When citizens and tourists can enjoy the sea in their daily lives, a port transcends industrial facilities to become a stage for culture, he added.

Chairman Lee has already enacted the 'Gyeonggi Province Marine Leisure Tourism Promotion Ordinance' to establish institutional foundations, and as chairman of the 'Gyeonggi Province Marine Research Society,' has put forward policy proposals to help Pyeongtaek Port develop beyond a cargo-volume port into one that creates added value.

He stressed that "Pyeongtaek-Dangjin Port is not simply a regional issue but a matter of national concern," and "if Gyeonggi Province lacks authority, we must communicate and persuade the central government with the necessary authority to create solutions."

He also emphasized with conviction that "the special committee will listen carefully to voices from the field and fulfill what citizens want. Pyeongtaek-Dangjin Port must evolve beyond a port of logistics and industry into one where people, culture, and the future breathe together."