Uljin County Governor Son Byeong-bok won the regional economic development management category in the ‘2024 People & Management that Brilliant Korean Economy’. Uljin County Governor Son Byeong-bok won the grand prize in the regional economic development management category at the ‘2024 People & Management that Brilliant Korean Economy’ awards ceremony held at the Plaza Hotel in Seoul on the 22nd.
Hosted by Maekyung Media Group, ‘2024 People & Management that Brilliant Korean Economy’ presents awards every year by selecting people who have achieved outstanding results in their respective fields by not being complacent with the present and creating results through constant change and innovation.
Uljin County Mayor Son Byeong-bok received the award in recognition of his contribution to establishing a future growth engine for the region at the risk of regional extinction and laying the foundation to increase national competitiveness by attracting the Uljin Nuclear Hydrogen National Industrial Complex.
In particular, the direction of the existing ‘hydrogen demonstration complex creation’ project was strategically changed to a nuclear hydrogen national industrial complex, and active attraction activities such as signing MOUs with hydrogen-related companies led to the selection of candidate sites and exemption from preliminary feasibility review. The effort was highly praised.
In addition, active actions to bring about practical effects for revitalizing the local economy through the resumption of construction of Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4 were also recognized.
Uljin County Governor Son Byeong-bok signed an agreement with the Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4 construction project operators and main facility constructors to provide priority employment for local residents and expand opportunities for local companies and equipment to participate in construction, laying the foundation for regional coexistence.
In addition, the region’s basic industries: △ Great transformation of agriculture, fishing, and forestry and support for small business owners △ Preparation for the era of 10 million Uljin tourism through differentiated tourism programs △ Establishment of customized welfare systems such as support for bathing and hairdressing expenses for the elderly △ Support for residents through text messages directly to the county governor The military administration management strategy for regional economic development, including the promotion of an administration that communicates and serves, received favorable reviews.
Uljin County Mayor Son Byeong-bok said, “This award was made possible thanks to the united power of the residents of the county and their participation in the Uljin military government,” adding, “To achieve Uljin County’s bold dream of having a population of 100,000 and a gross regional product of more than KRW 10 trillion, we have successfully created a nuclear hydrogen national industrial complex.” “We will work harder to develop the region,” he said.
Meanwhile, Uljin-gun is making full-scale preparations to protect the lives and property of its residents from winter disasters.
To this end, a meeting to review winter disaster safety management measures was held on the 15th to comprehensively review measures to prevent winter disaster accidents and discuss quick and efficient response plans in the event of a disaster.
Key priorities in preparation for disasters include preliminary inspection of areas vulnerable to heavy snowfall and cold waves, preemptive control and guidance to prevent casualties, and strengthening the management of surveillance activities through a collaborative system with local fire departments, police, military, and autonomous disaster foundations.
In preparation for natural disasters in the winter, Uljin-gun has completed inspection of road snow removal equipment, removal of trees at risk from snow damage in Wangpiri, maintenance of snow removal boxes within the district, and purchase of snow removal materials. In the future, it plans to prepare for road snow removal work in case of heavy snowfall, including renting snow removal equipment vehicles.
In addition, in order to prevent casualties and minimize inconvenience to residents, we are stockpiling supplies for disaster relief and regularly checking their condition and availability, and are preparing to inspect and use temporary housing facilities in preparation for the occurrence of disaster victims.
In addition, to protect the elderly, who are vulnerable, we are planning to provide additional support for the heating costs of senior centers, which are cold weather shelters, and are recommending expansion of operating hours for senior centers.
In particular, we are making thorough efforts to maintain communication facilities and prepare for power outages to prevent the inconvenience experienced by residents in February of this year due to isolated areas in the Geumgangsong-myeon area due to heavy snowfall.
To this end, a total of 13 satellite phones capable of communicating even in communication network outages were distributed to 5 towns and villages, including Geumgangsong-myeon, and emergency generators were purchased and uninterruptible power systems (UPS) were installed in 16 mountainous villages at risk of isolation to provide lighting and heating. , there are plans to ensure that the village broadcasting system is operational.
In addition, by selecting and operating skilled logging workers and public forest maintenance personnel, we established a system where skilled workers can be immediately deployed to the site when damaged trees occur.
In addition, until the 18th, in preparation for water supply disruptions due to heavy snowfall and freezes, we produced 7,200 bottles (1.8L) of Bo-Bae Water, a bottled tap water, to alleviate the inconvenience caused by the Bo-Bae Water production building and small-scale water supply facilities at the Clear Water Business Office. We stockpiled it at community halls in 12 districts of Geumgangsong-myeon, which are experiencing difficulties.
In addition, we are strengthening inspection and surveillance activities for traditional markets and old transportation-related facilities, and identifying and inspecting the status of agricultural facilities, fishing boats, and fishing-related facilities vulnerable to natural disasters.
In addition, Uljin-gun plans to strengthen prevention-centered publicity for residents by using text messages and village broadcasts in the event of a disaster, such as guidance on action tips and guidance on outdoor activities and refraining from going out.
Uljin County Mayor Son Byeong-bok said, “Prevention is the best way to minimize damage from natural disasters in the winter, so we will do our best to prepare in advance to respond to disasters. “If an emergency evacuation occurs, we ask for the active cooperation of residents,” he said. He also said, “We will continue to do our best to make Uljin County a place where residents can live safely and comfortably.”
Economy Queen Reporter Hana Choi Photo: Uljin-gun
What strategies is Uljin County implementing for disaster preparedness during winter months?
Interview with Uljin County Governor Son Byeong-bok: Champion of Regional Development and Winter Disaster Preparedness
Interviewer: Time.news Editor
Guest: Son Byeong-bok, Governor of Uljin County
Interviewer: Good day, Governor Son. Thank you for joining us today. Congratulations on receiving the Grand Prize for your achievements in regional economic development! What does this recognition mean to you and Uljin County?
Governor Son: Thank you for having me. This award is not just a personal achievement; it reflects the collective effort of the residents of Uljin County. Their engagement and participation in our initiatives have been crucial to our success. It motivates us to continue striving for a greater Uljin.
Interviewer: You’ve made significant strides in transforming the hydrogen demonstration complex into a nuclear hydrogen national industrial complex. Can you elaborate on that strategic shift and its importance for the region?
Governor Son: Absolutely. Initially, we aimed to create a hydrogen demonstration complex, which was a good foundation. However, recognizing the long-term potentials, we redefined our vision to establish a nuclear hydrogen national industrial complex. This change has attracted numerous hydrogen-related companies and has laid the groundwork for our region’s economic future. It’s a critical step towards becoming a national leader in hydrogen energy production, enhancing both local and national competitiveness.
Interviewer: Your proactive steps toward local employment and involving local businesses in the construction of Shin Hanul Units 3 and 4 have garnered attention. Why is this local involvement crucial?
Governor Son: Local involvement is vital for several reasons. First, it creates job opportunities for our residents, helping to reduce unemployment and increase local income. Second, by integrating local companies into larger projects, we boost the local economy and encourage sustainable growth. This approach not only provides immediate benefits but also strengthens community ties and fosters a culture of collaboration.
Interviewer: Beyond economic development, Uljin County has taken significant steps to prepare for winter disasters. What specific measures are being implemented to ensure the safety of residents during these challenging times?
Governor Son: We take disaster preparedness very seriously. We conducted a thorough review of our winter disaster safety management measures, focusing on several key areas. These include preemptive inspections of vulnerable regions, enhancing emergency communication, and ensuring our snow removal equipment is ready. For vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly, we are expanding support like heating assistance and providing community centers as warm shelters. Our goal is to ensure that residents feel safe and protected, regardless of the weather conditions.
Interviewer: It’s reassuring to hear about those comprehensive measures. How important is community communication in this context, and what steps have you taken to enhance it?
Governor Son: Communication is paramount, especially during emergencies. We have established a collaborative system that includes local fire departments, police, and military to ensure seamless communication. We have also distributed satellite phones to remote villages to maintain connectivity during outages. Regular updates through text messages directly from my office help keep our residents informed, which we believe greatly reduces anxiety during crisis situations.
Interviewer: As you look to the future, what bold ambitions do you have for Uljin County in terms of population growth and economic development?
Governor Son: We are aiming to grow our population to 100,000 and increase our gross regional product to over KRW 10 trillion. Achieving this will require an unwavering focus on innovative projects and leveraging our unique resources. Our nuclear hydrogen complex is just the beginning. We’re also investing in our agriculture and tourism, enhancing support for small businesses, and establishing customized welfare systems. With the continued support of our residents and partners, I believe we can realize these ambitions.
Interviewer: It sounds like an exciting time for Uljin County. Thank you for sharing these insights, Governor Son, and for your dedication to your community.
Governor Son: Thank you for having me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to share our vision and progress. Together, we can achieve great things for Uljin County.
This engaging dialog highlights the governor’s commitment to regional progress, disaster preparedness, and community involvement, shedding light on the innovative actions taken for a sustainable future.