Gochang-gun received a special award for balanced development project from the Presidential Local Government. The ‘2023 World Heritage City Gochang Visit Year’, ambitiously promoted by Gochang-gun, received a special award for balanced development.
According to Gochang-gun on the 7th, it received a special award at the ‘2024 Balanced Development Project Best Practices’ awards ceremony held on this day in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, hosted by the Presidential Local Era Committee (Chairman Woo Dong-gi).
This is the second time Gochang-gun has received a special award from the local government since the Suncheon Bay Garden Expo last year. Applause poured in for the challenge and success story of Gochang-gun, which had no government support and competed only with software (development of tourism programs such as major festivals and city tours) rather than hardware, such as building buildings.
Starting with two proclamation ceremonies in Gochang and Seoul, various events are held throughout the year, including the 1st Gochang Cherry Blossom Festival, KBS Open Concert, Gochang Celebration of UNESCO’s 7 Treasures List, Midsummer Night Festa, and various contests held throughout the year. proceeded.
In particular, efforts are being made to attract tourists, such as operating the 50th Anniversary Gochang Mother Fortress Festival directly under county management, promoting a differentiated 3-free (disposable products, overpricing, and safety accidents) festival, converting it into a festival planned and participated by county residents, and providing unique entertainment. This led to the award.
This year too, numerous visitors are coming to the area to experience the special things that only Gochang has to offer. More than 200,000 visitors visited the ’51st Gochang Mother and Child Festival’, which concluded recently, adding vitality to the area.
Gochang County Mayor Shim Deok-seop said, “We focused on creating a self-reliant foundation that is not shaken by external changes by combining the region’s unique resources, culture, and people.” He added, “We will continue to discover new projects to create a rich and brilliant Gochang that people will want to visit again in the future.” “We will do our best to become an example of balanced development.”
Meanwhile, undergraduate students from the Department of Earth Science Education and Geoenvironmental Science at Kongju University visited the Gochang-gun Global Geopark and had time to feel the breath of Mother Nature.
According to Gochang-gun on the 7th, 35 students and advisors from the Department of Geological and Environmental Science at Kongju University visited Gochang World Geopark on the 4th and 5th for a regular field trip.
Geological science majors observed and learned in the field rocks from various periods created during the formation of the Korean Peninsula’s tectonic structure. Geological attractions created through volcanic activity in Gochang include Cheonmabong Peak, Jinheung Cave, and Byeongbawi Rock on Seonunsan Mountain.
Representative geological attractions where metamorphic rocks can be seen include Gusipogamak Island, Myeongmaegi Sam, Songgyeri Archean Gneiss, and Daejuk Island, as well as the Gochang Tidal Flat and Chenier, which were the latest to be created on the coast.
For two days starting on October 31, 45 Earth Science Education students from Kongju University visited Gochang and directly experienced and observed basic geology theories.
We explored Gochang’s representative geological attractions, Byeongbawi Rock and Seonunsan Mountain, on foot, and rode a tractor across the mudflats to observe the outdoor rocks of Daejuk Island.
An official from Kongju University said, “It is a time for students to discover the joy of geology with various rocks and a good environment for exploring, so we will promote regular field trips in the future.”
Oh Mi-sook, head of the Gochang-gun World Heritage Department, said, “I hope that this field trip by students majoring in geological sciences will lead to regular field trips to the Gochang area, and that a lot of research will be conducted due to geological interest in Gochang.”
Gochang is a UNESCO World Geopark with geological attractions including Cheonmabong Peak, Jinheung Cave, Rock-carved Buddha, Byeongbawi Rock, Soyosan Lava Dome, Ungok Wetland and Dolmen Group, Songgyeri Archean Gneiss, Myeongmaegi Spring, Gusipo Gamakdo Island, Myeongsasimni Beach, Chenier, Daejuk Island, and Gochang. There are 13 tidal flats.
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Gochang-gun
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Interview: The Path to Balanced Development in Gochang-gun
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re speaking with Dr. Kim Soo-jin, an expert in sustainable regional development, to discuss Gochang-gun’s remarkable achievement in receiving the special award for balanced development from the Presidential Local Government. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Kim.
Dr. Kim Soo-jin (Dr. Kim): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to discuss Gochang-gun’s innovative approach to development.
TNE: Gochang-gun recently earned a special award for their ‘2023 World Heritage City Gochang Visit Year’ initiative. What do you think sets their approach apart from other regions?
Dr. Kim: Gochang-gun’s success stems from its focus on software rather than just hardware. Instead of relying on physical infrastructure, they prioritized cultural and community-driven initiatives like festivals, educational programs, and unique attractions. This strategy has not only boosted tourism but also fostered a sense of community ownership.
TNE: That’s fascinating. The local government emphasized a “3-free” festival model—free of disposable products, overpricing, and safety accidents. How crucial do you think this model is for sustainable tourism?
Dr. Kim: It’s essential. The “3-free” model addresses modern consumer concerns and enhances the overall visitor experience. By promoting sustainability and ethical practices, Gochang-gun not only attracts tourists but ensures that local residents also benefit from the economic boost. This kind of mindful tourism can establish a long-term relationship between visitors and the destination.
TNE: Gochang-gun also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the Cherry Blossom Festival and the Mother Fortress Festival. What impact do such events have on both the local economy and cultural preservation?
Dr. Kim: These events serve multiple purposes. Economically, they draw in thousands of visitors—over 200,000 attended the recent Mother and Child Festival—injecting vitality into local businesses. Culturally, they enhance community identity and pride, showcasing unique aspects of Gochang’s heritage. This blend of celebration and education about local culture promotes both preservation and innovation.
TNE: The Mayor of Gochang mentioned a goal of establishing a self-reliant foundation in the community. What strategies could other regions implement based on Gochang-gun’s model?
Dr. Kim: Other regions can learn from Gochang’s emphasis on community collaboration in project planning. Strategies could include engaging local residents in decision-making processes, promoting the use of local resources, and creating niche markets that align with regional strengths—be it cultural, geological, or agricultural. The key is to leverage what makes each region unique.
TNE: Speaking of uniqueness, the recent visit by geology students to Gochang’s Global Geopark highlights the educational aspect of its attractions. How vital is the integration of educational initiatives in tourism?
Dr. Kim: It’s incredibly vital. Educational tourism not only enriches the visitor experience but also promotes awareness about local environmental and geological issues. By involving students and researchers, Gochang-gun can cultivate interest in its natural resources, enhancing conservation efforts and inspiring future generations to appreciate and protect their heritage.
TNE: With Gochang-gun serving as an exemplar of balanced development, what do you foresee for the future of similar initiatives in South Korea and beyond?
Dr. Kim: I envision a growing recognition of the importance of balanced, community-centric development. More regions will likely adopt similar models that prioritize sustainability, cultural heritage, and local engagement. As global awareness about environmental issues increases, initiatives that harmonize tourism with local development will not only thrive but also become essential to the survival of many communities.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Kim, for your insights. Gochang-gun’s journey offers a promising template for other regions striving for balanced development. We look forward to seeing how their initiatives continue to evolve.
Dr. Kim: Thank you for the opportunity to share. It’s an exciting time for Gochang-gun, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds.