Following the disbandment of the 27th Division, Sainam-myeon in Hwacheon County, Gangwon Province, is preparing for a new era of tourism with the upcoming opening of the Gwandeok Tunnel. The plan aims to create a vibrant tourism economy centered around the northern slopes of Hwaaksan, linking various natural, historical, and cultural resources such as Hwaaksan, Samil Valley, and Gokun Valley into a cohesive tourist route.
On the morning of August 28, Hwacheon County Mayor Kim Se-hoon addressed the community during a resident briefing for the 2027 budget, discussing the challenges of regional depopulation following the division's closure and the anticipated changes with the Gwandeok Tunnel's opening. He outlined plans for tourism development that connects Hwaaksan's resources.
The key focus is on 'connection.' The proposal includes integrating hiking trails on Hwaaksan, the Hwaaksan Arboretum, Chotdae Rock, Samil Valley, the Sheep Ranch, Flower Hill, Gokun Valley, Beobjangsa Temple Stay, and a Healing Center into a single tourism route, allowing each attraction to create a synergistic effect.
Plans for the Healing Center involve incorporating K-food and local cuisine to create a tourism route that combines nature experiences with culinary offerings. Additionally, proposals for Samil Valley and Gwandeok Valley include creating rest areas for tourists, artificial waterfalls, campgrounds, mountain villages, and caravan camping sites, similar to the Pocheon Baegun Valley model.
Mayor Kim particularly noted that while Samil Valley has limitations in administrative support compared to Gwandeok Valley under tourism promotion laws, he plans to collaborate with the Hwacheon County Council to establish a separate support ordinance to address this issue.
Many of the proposed tourism facilities and related projects are not yet finalized but will be further developed through ongoing comprehensive tourism development studies for Sainam-myeon. Mayor Kim expressed his intention to incorporate community feedback into these studies and secure national and provincial funding for implementation.
As Mayor Kim explained his plans for tourism development and economic revitalization in Sainam-myeon, attendees responded with applause and encouragement multiple times. Although no questions were raised, the presentation of the tourism development plan was met with enthusiasm.
The tourism potential of the northern slopes of Hwaaksan has been recognized for some time. The area, which includes Samil Valley flowing from Hwaaksan, Chotdae Rock, and Gokun Valley, is rich in pristine forests and valleys, as well as historical and cultural resources related to Kim Su-jung from the Joseon Dynasty.
Since 2020, the tourism potential of this area has been consistently highlighted in the media, leading to discussions about the need for the removal of illegal facilities in Samil Valley, restoration of the natural environment, and the utilization of historical and cultural resources like Gokun Valley and Chotdae Rock for tourism.
However, the challenge remains that while these tourism resources exist individually, there is a lack of a cohesive structure to connect them for extended stays and consumer spending. The disbandment of the 27th Division has impacted the local economy, and the opening of the Gwandeok Tunnel is expected to improve accessibility to the metropolitan area, significantly changing the tourism landscape in Sainam-myeon.
While improved accessibility could lead to increased tourist numbers and economic revitalization, concerns remain about the potential for a 'straw effect,' where tourists pass through without engaging with the local economy due to a lack of attractions to stay and enjoy. Therefore, Mayor Kim's proposal is significant as it aims to connect the scattered tourism resources on the northern slopes of Hwaaksan into a unified tourism zone.
If a tourism route is established that allows visitors to hike on Hwaaksan, relax in Samil and Gwandeok Valleys, experience the Sheep Ranch and Flower Hill, engage with history and culture at Gokun Valley and Beobjangsa Temple, and enjoy K-food and local cuisine at the Healing Center while staying in mountain villages or campgrounds, the utilization of these previously scattered tourism resources could change dramatically.
The key to success lies in execution. There are still steps to be taken, including discussions with the county council for the establishment of support ordinances, comprehensive tourism development studies, feasibility assessments for individual projects, and securing national and provincial funding. It is also essential to find ways to enhance tourist convenience and safety while preserving the natural environment and revitalizing the local economy.
After being recognized for its potential since 2020, the northern slopes of Hwaaksan are now at the center of the 9th term Sainam-myeon tourism strategy. As the Gwandeok Tunnel era approaches Sainam-myeon, it remains to be seen whether Mayor Kim Se-hoon's vision for Hwaaksan tourism will lead to a new breakthrough for the local economy.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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