Gyeonggi Province has launched a recruitment drive for candidate sites aimed at establishing a 'Peace Economic Zone' that will serve as an industrial hub in the inter-Korean border region. The application is open from November 11 to December 10, targeting eight cities and counties: Goyang, Paju, Gimpo, Yangju, Pocheon, Dongducheon, Gapyeong, and Yeoncheon. The initiative is aligned with the government’s broader strategy to combine peace and security values with industrial and economic functions in the border area.

This appeal for sites follows a basic plan for the Peace Economic Zone announced by the Unification Ministry in December. The government aims to designate around four zones across the nation by the end of 2026, with an initial pilot project to begin then. Once designated as a Peace Economic Zone, areas will receive benefits such as reductions in local taxes and fees, as well as financial support, facilitating the development of industrial complexes or tourist districts.

The selection process will ensure fairness by forming a selection committee predominantly made up of private experts. Assessment will be conducted in stages, involving initial written reviews followed by presentations and comprehensive evaluations, focusing on the feasibility and developmental potential of development plans for each city and county. The details of the selection process will remain confidential to maintain security and fairness, with the final designation subject to review and approval by the Unification Ministry.