Ganghwa County Launches Full-Scale Tourism Development Project for Hwagae Mountain in Gyeodong-myeon

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Seo Dong-young] Ganghwa County announced on the 30th that it has launched full-scale operations of the "Hwagae Mountain Tourism Development Project" to establish landmarks and stay-type tourism infrastructure in Gyeodong-myeon.

According to the county, the project being undertaken on Gyeodong Island, the Island of Peace, is a large-scale project spanning an area of 200,000 square meters around Hwagae Mountain with a total investment of 27 billion won. Construction of a skywalk-type observation deck began on the 22nd, and the five-themed Hwagae Garden is scheduled to begin construction in June. The Hwagae Mountain parking lot, which can accommodate 500 vehicles, is proceeding with administrative procedures targeting completion by June of next year.

Since the opening of the Gyeodong Bridge in 2014, Gyeodong-myeon has attracted numerous tourists, including visitors to Daelyong Market, but due to insufficient tourism infrastructure, it has not contributed significantly to the local economy.

The county has designated regional balanced development and the revitalization of tourism in Gyeodong-myeon as the top priority of the 7th term civil government. The project has been pursued as a stay-type tourism-specialized development initiative utilizing Gyeodong's geographical characteristics with views of North Korea, rich historical and cultural resources including Hwagae Mountain Fortress, the site of Prince Yeonsan's exile, and Gyeodong Hyanggyo.

In particular, the skywalk-type observation deck at the mountaintop is the core project, with the basic concept of flight for the prosperity and peace of Ganghwa. Through the observation deck, visitors can enjoy not only the beautiful scenery of Gyeodong, but also views of the Yeonbaek Plain to the north and Seokmo Island and Boleum Island to the south.

The five-themed Hwagae Garden, Incheon's first local garden being constructed together, is conceived as a garden reflecting the history and nature of Gyeodong Island. It is composed of diverse content enabling tourism and experiential activities. In addition, direct sales outlets and the management of herb gardens will be operated directly by residents to generate income for Gyeodong residents.

Ganghwa County Governor Yu Cheon-ho stated, "When the Hwagae Mountain tourism development project is completed next year, Gyeodong-myeon will become a new engine for growth in Ganghwa County and will significantly contribute to attracting tourists and increasing local economic income," adding "Going forward, we will listen to the voices of the residents and do our best to create responsive administration prioritizing residents and a prosperous Ganghwa."