How Park Hyodong Plans to Transform Goseong: 5 Key Strategies for Economic Growth and Tourism Development

On February 10, former Vice Chairman Park Hyo-dong of the Gangwon Provincial Council held a press conference at the Goseong County Office, officially announcing his candidacy for Goseong County Mayor as a member of the People Power Party in the upcoming June 3 local elections.

Park stated, “I will halt Goseong’s stagnation and usher in a new era of progress.” He emphasized his commitment to implementing governance that delivers tangible results rather than merely showcasing administrative efforts.

Assessing Goseong’s current situation, Park noted, “The population is declining, and the local economy is losing vitality.” He highlighted the challenges faced by farmers dealing with rising production costs and fishermen experiencing decreased catches. Despite an increase in tourism, he observed that it’s difficult to claim residents’ lives have significantly improved. “Now is the time to embrace change rather than settle for the status quo,” he stressed.

Park proposed a comprehensive five-point vision for Goseong’s future, encompassing economic development, tourism, urban planning, welfare, and administrative reform.

He pointed out that Goseong’s economy heavily relies on primary and tertiary sectors, with a weak secondary sector. Park pledged to attract a manufacturing and processing-focused industrial complex during his term to achieve a sixth industrialization model, linking primary, secondary, and tertiary sectors. Additionally, he proposed attracting an international port connected to the industrial complex, aiming to position Goseong as an economic hub in the East Sea region.

In the tourism sector, Park outlined plans to revitalize Hwajinpo’s marine function, developing it into an international tourist harbor with yacht moorings. He aims to create leisure and resort destinations along the coastline and lagoons. Park intends to establish a unique, high-value tourism model for Goseong by introducing a tourism monorail and cable cars. He also announced plans to elevate the Daebang-eo (yellowtail) and octopus festivals as signature food tourism events.

Regarding urban and regional development, he stated, “We will create extensive residential and commercial areas centered around Toseong and Jukwang-myeon, transforming Goseong into a livable new city with a population of 100,000.” Park plans to develop renewable energy facilities to return profits to residents and boost fiscal independence through increased non-tax revenue.

In the welfare sector, Park committed to expanding support for vulnerable groups, including seniors, youth, individuals with disabilities, and multicultural families. He emphasized the need to create meaningful job opportunities that enable a fulfilling life, pledging to enhance employment for seniors and strengthen support for children and childcare to address low birth rates.

On administrative reform, he asserted, “I will implement personnel reforms that reflect performance and expertise, and decisively eliminate ineffective projects.” Park emphasized that he would focus the budget on increasing residents’ income and creating jobs.

Park concluded by stating, “Goseong has an opportunity to emerge as a center for economy, tourism, and logistics in the East Sea region.” He committed to transforming Goseong with strong leadership and proving results.

Park Hyo-dong, a Goseong native, graduated from Cheonjin Elementary, Sokcho Middle, and Donggwang Agricultural High School. He studied public administration at Kwandong University. Park served as a council member for the 3rd, 4th, and 5th Goseong County Councils and chaired the 4th County Council. He also held positions as a member of the Gangwon Provincial Council during the 8th and 10th terms, serving as chair of the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Committee and vice chair of the provincial council. In 2019, he chaired the special committee for wildfire damage response during a major forest fire incident.