Gyeonggi, Seoul, and Incheon Join Forces on Gyeonggin Canal Project

Gyeonggi Province, Seoul City, and Incheon City have pledged to advance linked projects in connection with the Gyeonggin Canal.

Gyeonggi Province Governor Kim Moon-soo, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon, and Incheon Mayor Ahn Sang-soo signed a "Joint Cooperation Agreement for Linked Projects of the Gyeonggin Canal" at the Seoul Press Center in Gwanghwamun on the morning of the 11th.

Accordingly, the three cities and province will cooperate mutually in joint research, information and education, and promotional activities, and will actively coordinate to ensure the smooth progress of state projects and linked initiatives.

In a joint statement released that day, the three regions assessed the project as "a Korean New Deal policy that overcomes economic recession and creates new jobs," and expressed their welcome, stating that it "will serve as an opportunity to resolve transportation and logistics issues and revitalize tourism."

The province presented a vision with three themes on the day, stating: "The Gyeonggin Canal must not only prevent chronic flooding around the Han River, but also become a future-oriented project."

Under the theme "From the Han River to the West Sea! To the World!" the province will establish Gimpo Terminal and Isanpo Terminal. It also plans to pursue cultural and tourism initiatives that allow travelers to visit harbors and islands near Gyeonggi Bay from Seoul to activate domestic and international logistics services.

Under the theme "As a Center for New Growth Momentum!" the province plans to develop these areas into national strategic complexes for China through the construction of waterfront cities such as Gimpo Han River New City.

Additionally, under the theme "Connecting North and South to the Future! To Prosperity!" the province will expand the embankment along the Han River to 10 lanes or more and undertake construction of an expressway connecting Gimpo and Kaesong.

The province added that it plans to develop the Han River estuary area into a zone of joint inter-Korean prosperity through the restoration of ferry landings on the Han River estuary and the creation of a DMZ ecological park.