Mar 23 • 07:31 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Combination of administration, culture, and tourism vs the need for residents' deliberation... How to utilize the current Gangwon Provincial Office?

Ahead of the June 3 local elections, the Gangwon provincial government proposes to repurpose the current provincial office building for administration, culture, and tourism, prompting calls from opposition parties for public deliberation on the plan.

In anticipation of the June 3 local elections, the Gangwon province is introducing a plan to repurpose the current provincial office building following the construction of a new facility. Governor Kim Jin-tae held a press conference outlining the immediate and long-term strategies for the current office's use, which includes accommodating public institutions and enhancing tourist and cultural activities in the area. The governor emphasized the creation of historical and cultural exhibitions in the existing main building, which dates back to 1957, as part of this initiative.

The proposed changes involve the establishment of the projected Gangwon Autonomous Police Agency, slated to house approximately 350 personnel, and the construction of the Gangwon Administrative Complex in the second annex aimed at consolidating provincial institutions currently dispersed throughout Chuncheon. The educational component will be enhanced as well, with the introduction of a transportation training center expected to draw over 12,500 trainees each year. Furthermore, former annexes will see significant transformations, including the recreation of historical locations and the development of the 'Bongui Historical Park' in the vicinity, promoting cultural storytelling pathways.

Despite the ambitious plans presented by the provincial government, opposition parties, including the Democratic Party and Justice Party, voiced concerns about the unilateral nature of the proposals. They are calling for a public deliberation process to gauge the residents' opinions, arguing that the residents of Gangwon should have a say in the future of the provincial office. The governor responded confidently, projecting an increase in visitors and staff usage at the provincial office, even during weekends, if the proposed improvements are successfully implemented.

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