2.5 Billion Won in Support for Second Phase of Hwaseong Haenggung Restoration
Suwon NewsPublished 2006.10.13 08:58
Gov. Kim Accepts Mayor Kim's Proposal During Suwon Visit, Pledges Continued Support
| Governor Kim Moon-soo announced that he would support 2.5 billion won out of Suwon City's total 5 billion won budget for fiscal year 2009 for the second phase restoration of Hwaseong Haenggung. Governor Kim visited Suwon City Hall for the first time since taking office as Gyeonggi Province governor in his fourth democratic election term on the 12th, where he was requested by Suwon Mayor Kim Yong-seo to provide more active support for tourismization through the restoration of Hwaseong Fortress. He made this promise accordingly. During a briefing meeting held at the Suwon City Hall annex conference room, the mayor stated that "the second phase restoration project of Haenggung, which requires a total project cost of 46 billion won by 2010, could face delays due to difficulties in securing funds, and requested that the province support 2.5 billion won out of the 5 billion won budget for next year." In response, Governor Kim Moon-soo said, "Hwaseong Fortress is a heritage of Suwon and a heritage of Gyeonggi Province," and "I will pay more attention to Hwaseong Fortress, a World Cultural Heritage site," promising support of 2.5 billion won. The mayor, in particular, cited Fez, Morocco, an international sister city of Suwon, as an example, saying "approximately 10 million tourists visit this city where a World Cultural Heritage site is located annually, generating economic effects worth hundreds of billions of won," and pointed out that "efforts and willingness for support from our country's government and agencies are insufficient." He stated, "Even when I meet with responsible officials from relevant ministries to appeal for support for Hwaseong restoration, they only cite budget constraints or dismiss it as a local cultural heritage," and said in a firm tone, "We must make bold investments and restoration efforts to tourismize Hwaseong Fortress, a World Cultural Heritage site," and additionally proposed the restoration of the bell pavilion within the Haenggung. Governor Kim said, "It is true that support for Hwaseong is less than that for Namhansanseong," and stated, "I will make efforts to improve related budget support for Hwaseong restoration." During the briefing, Suwon City requested support for the following projects in addition to Hwaseong restoration budget: ▲Construction of Suwon History Museum 5.7 billion won ▲Establishment of Suwon recycling infrastructure facilities 3.4 billion won ▲Opening of bypass road at Suwon Station 11 billion won ▲Opening of road between Gaeksaek Intersection and Suwon City boundaries 30.8 billion won. |
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