Ganghwa County Governor Yoo Cheon-ho Accompanies Incheon Mayor Yoo Jung-bok on 'Citizen Dialogue Journey'

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Choi Gi-ho] On the 30th, Ganghwa County Governor Yoo Cheon-ho embarked on a 'Citizen Dialogue Journey' with Incheon Mayor Yoo Jung-bok, who visited Ganghwa County.

On that day, Mayor Yoo visited Ganghwa County with key national and departmental officials from Incheon City. Together with Governor Yoo and local representatives, they toured the sites of the Hwagae Mountain Hwagae Garden and observation deck, the coastal road construction project (Section 4-1, Route 103 in Gyeodong), and Poongmul Market, listening to voices from the field.

At the meeting, Governor Yoo Cheon-ho requested support and attention from Incheon City so that the Hwagae Garden could become a leading recreational facility throughout the country, surpassing the Seoul metropolitan area. He also proposed budget support for early completion of the coastal road and other initiatives to promote balanced regional development and reinvigorate the local economy.

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

From the observation deck at the summit of Hwagae Mountain, visitors can take in at a glance the beautiful scenery of the West Sea and the Yeonbaek Plain spreading along the Yesong River flowing through the northern region. Currently partially completed and open to the public, construction is proceeding with the goal of fully opening the garden in October.

Section 4-1 of the coastal road between Hwangcheong and Inhwa is scheduled to open in December 2023, while the road between Wolseonpo and Sangyong is targeted for completion in March 2024. After the opening of the Gyeodong Bridge, the maritime route connecting Changhuhang Port in Ganghwa Island and Wolseonpo Port in Gyeodong was cut off, causing the local economy to lose momentum. In response, the county has undertaken direct construction projects to expedite the coastal road development, accelerating the road opening process connecting Changhuhang Port and Wolseonpo.

Governor Yoo Cheon-ho stated, "Ganghwa County faces many difficulties due to various restrictive regulations including the Capital Region Readjustment Planning Act, Military Facilities Protection Act, Cultural Heritage Protection Act, and Agricultural Land Act, making coordination with higher authorities very important." He added, "In particular, areas that no longer have value as premium agricultural land and have been unreasonably designated as agricultural promotion zones should be modified or exempted to reflect current reality." He continued, "Incheon City's policy consideration and active support are necessary for balanced regional development and improved quality of life for residents."

Mayor Yoo Jung-bok stated, "I will make efforts to improve the quality of life for local residents," and added, "I will continue to listen to the voices of citizens and do my best in citizen-centered dialogue to find answers in the field."