Interview Gapyeong County Chief Seo Tae-won: "Additional Designation as Border Region Marks Critical Turning Point for Regional Development"

[News S=Reporter Eom In-yong] As 2025 draws to a close, this newspaper is conducting in-depth coverage of whether chronic issues in the northeastern Gyeonggi region and long-awaited projects by residents are being properly pursued, meeting with local government leaders by region to examine area-specific issues.

Following Yeoju City, we met with Gapyeong County Chief Seo Tae-won as our second destination to examine in detail how pending issues are being addressed—from the official designation of Gapyeong as a 'border region' over the past three years to the establishment of a county-run hospital.

▲What is the official designation of Gapyeong as a 'border region'?

- The government amended the 'Border Region Support Special Act Enforcement Decree' in March, additionally designating Gapyeong County as a border region.

This was more than a simple administrative procedure; it was a landmark decision that could serve as a critical turning point for regional development. The significance is underscored by the high participation rate of 71.5% recorded in the signature campaign through enthusiastic participation by residents.

In particular, the first tangible result following the border region designation was the securing of 20.3 billion won in national funding for five projects, including the creation of an ecological trail along Hwaaak Stream in Buk-myeon. We are also establishing a comprehensive border region development plan through 2050 so that more projects can be reflected in government plans.

Additionally, from 2026 onwards, approximately 6.8 billion won in ordinary fiscal transfer payments will be stably secured annually, serving as a solid foundation for the county's finances.

▲How is the military facility protection zone release progressing?

- One of the ongoing regional issues has been resolving the military facility protection zone restriction. In February 2024, an area of 10.4 million square meters in Sangmyeon and Jojongmyeon was released from the protection zone for the first time in 25 years.

As the development restrictions that had been in place are lifted, permit approvals become easier, marking an important turning point in creating a foundation for regional development.

▲What is the status of the county-run hospital establishment, one of Gapyeong County's top priority projects?

- Our county faces difficult medical conditions, lacking not only advanced hospitals for treating severe illnesses but also 24-hour emergency rooms or delivery facilities.

As a practical alternative, we are pursuing the establishment of our own public medical institution with approximately 26.3 billion won in budget by 2028 on the site of the former U.S. Army Camp Cheongpyeong Hospital in Cheongpyeong-myeon.

In particular, the county-run hospital construction project passed the Ministry of Interior and Safety's second central investment review on July 3.

With the county-run hospital establishment project passing this major milestone, a green light has been given, and we have entered the full-scale administrative procedures to address the medical gap.

▲What about improvements to transportation infrastructure such as National Route 75?

- We have reflected the design service fee for the National Route 75 improvement project in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport budget, laying the groundwork for road improvements in the Cheongpyeong-Gapyeong section.

Additionally, in December 2024, through dangerous road improvement projects on National Route 75, we expanded a section of Daljeon District to four lanes and significantly improved the route in Bokjang District, significantly enhancing traffic safety and convenience.

Most importantly, discussions on extending the GTX-B line to Gapyeong and Chuncheon have begun in earnest. We continue to make efforts to ensure that stops at both Gapyeong Station and Cheongpyeong Station are included in national plans.

▲What progress has been made on establishing the talent development foundation?

- We have already enacted relevant ordinances in May. Although time is short, we plan to officially launch the foundation by the end of this year in some form.

The talent development foundation will establish itself as an educational welfare-focused institution that comprehensively promotes lifelong education, scholarship support, and youth welfare projects.

▲We understand the Gapyeong U.S.-U.K. Security Park project is also being pursued?

- The Gapyeong U.S.-U.K. Security Park project has passed Gyeonggi Province's urban planning review and been finalized in the county management plan.

It is a project of great significance. In particular, the Security Park project passed the Ministry of Interior and Safety's second central investment review on July 3, enabling us to achieve tangible results.

This project is symbolic in that it honors the sacrifice of allied forces while providing residents with leisure space in nature.

A total project cost of 29.6 billion won will be invested, with construction to begin in the first half of next year, targeting completion by 2028.

▲The Gyeonggi Province Comprehensive Sports Festival is being evaluated as having been successfully hosted?

- Gapyeong hosted both the 'Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival for the Disabled' and the 'Gyeonggi Province Sports Festival' for the first time in 70 years and successfully concluded both events.

With government, civic organizations, and residents all united as one, Gapyeong County conducted a mature festival with unified will and purpose, resulting in residents taking great pride in the accomplishment.

▲Despite economic difficulties, small business owners recorded a 3-year average 'survival rate' of second-highest in Gyeonggi Province?

- Gapyeong County recorded a 3-year survival rate of 61.1% for small business storefronts, achieving second-highest in Gyeonggi Province. This significantly exceeds the average for all 31 municipalities in Gyeonggi Province (50.9%).

We believe this result is a product of Gapyeong County's active small business policies combined with on-the-ground efforts by business owners.

Going forward, through sustained policy support, we will make every effort to create an environment where small business owners can continue operations with confidence.

▲Finally, regarding the 'Chuncheon Rest Home' cremation facility and current water supply issues?

- At the 'Chuncheon Rest Home' cremation facility, one dedicated crematorium has been made available for priority use by Gapyeong County residents.

Previously, the lack of a cremation facility in the county caused many difficulties, but now we are able to give the deceased a dignified final farewell.

Additionally, while Gyeonggi Province's average water supply rate is 98.8%, Gapyeong County currently stands at 56.4%. By securing 26.6 billion won in Gyeonggi Province balanced development project funds, we have established a foundation to improve this to 83.3% by 2040. This will serve as a cornerstone toward achieving a permanent resident population of 100,000.