Ganghwa County Governor Yu Cheon-ho Joins Incheon Mayor Yu Jeong-bok's "Civil Communication Journey"

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Choi Ki-ho] Ganghwa County Governor Yu Cheon-ho joined Incheon Mayor Yu Jeong-bok, who visited Ganghwa County on the 30th, on a "Civil Communication Journey."

On that day, Mayor Yu Jeong-bok visited Ganghwa County with key officials from Incheon City and, together with Governor Yu Cheon-ho and representatives of county residents, toured the Hwagae Mountain Hwagae Garden and observation deck, the coastal road construction project (Section 4-1, Gyeodong Route 103), and Pungmul Market, listening to voices from the field.

Governor Yu Cheon-ho requested Incheon City's support and interest at the meeting so that Hwagae Garden can become the nation's best leisure facility, surpassing the Seoul metropolitan area. He also proposed budget support for early completion of the coastal road and other measures to promote regional balanced development and enhance regional vitality.

Hwagae Garden is a priority project of Ganghwa County, investing 38.2 billion won in development on 213,251 square meters of Hwagae Mountain. The facility will feature a skywalk-style observation deck, gardens, and a monorail (private investment), being developed as a recreational facility where families can comfortably enjoy rest in a park-like garden.

From the observation deck at the peak of Hwagae Mountain, visitors can take in at a glance the beautiful landscape of the West Sea and the Yeonbaek Plain stretching along the Yesong River flowing through the northern region. The project is currently partially completed and open to the public, with construction proceeding toward the goal of full opening of the garden in October.

Section 4-1 of the coastal road between Hwangcheong and Inhwa is under construction with a target opening in December 2023, and the Wolseonpo to Sangyong road is targeted for completion in March 2024. After the opening of the Gyeodong Bridge, the maritime route connecting Changhoo Port in Ganghwado and Wolseonpo Port in Gyeodong was severed, causing the local economy to lose momentum. In response, the county has undertaken direct construction to accelerate the coastal road project linking Changhoo Port and Wolseonpo, speeding up road construction.

Governor Yu Cheon-ho stated, "Ganghwa County faces many difficulties due to various restrictive regulations including the Capital Area Readjustment Planning Act, the Military Facilities Protection Act, the Cultural Properties Protection Act, and the Agricultural Land Act, making consultation with higher authorities very important." He added, "In particular, areas designated as agricultural promotion zones that no longer have value for preservation as premium agricultural land and are unreasonably designated must be changed or lifted to reflect reality." He went on to say, "Policy consideration and active support from Incheon City are necessary for regional balanced development and improving residents' quality of life."

Mayor Yu Jeong-bok said, "I will make efforts to improve the quality of life for local residents," and "Going forward, I will do my best in civil communication by listening to the voices of citizens and finding answers in the field."