Gangwon Province Secures 126.4 Billion Won from Hangang River Basin Fund...Boost for Water Quality Improvement and Resident Support

Eco-Friendly Clean Project Budget Increased by 88%, Reaching 16.1 Billion Won
Gangwon Province: "Expanding Investment in Environmental Conservation in Upper River Areas"

Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Woo Sangho) has secured 126.4 billion won from the Hangang River Basin Management Fund for next year. In particular, with the budget for eco-friendly clean projects—previously hindered by a lack of funding—rising by 88% compared to this year, projects aimed at improving water quality in the upper reaches of the Hangang River are expected to gain further momentum.

A panoramic view of Gangwon Provincial Government Office. Provided by Gangwon Provincial Government.

On July 26, Gangwon Province announced that a budget of 126.4 billion won for 2027 Hangang River Basin Management Fund projects was included during the 99th review meeting of the Hangang River Basin Management Committee held recently.

The secured budget consists of 16.1 billion won for eco-friendly clean projects and 65.4 billion won for the installation and operation of basic environmental facilities, totaling 87.4 billion won allocated for local government-led initiatives. In addition, 39 billion won will be used for the Doam Lake basin water quality improvement project.

The most notable aspect of this review is the budget for eco-friendly clean projects. An allocation of 16.1 billion won was reflected, representing an increase of 7.5 billion won (approximately 88%) from this year. As certain projects had faced the risk of suspension due to lack of funds, the province expects this increase to provide much-needed breathing room for ongoing initiatives.

The Hangang River Basin Management Fund was established to compensate residents of the upper Hangang River region for the social costs they have borne due to various development restrictions and environmental protection policies aimed at safeguarding drinking water sources, as well as to support stable water quality management.

Gangwon Province has utilized this fund to expand basic environmental facilities, reduce nonpoint source pollution, promote eco-friendly clean projects, and support resident welfare programs, thereby laying the groundwork for both improved water quality and regional coexistence.

The fund approved in this round will be finalized through the Ministry of Economy and Finance’s government budget compilation and parliamentary review, with the final decision expected this December. Gangwon Province plans to continue working with the Ministry of Environment and other relevant agencies to ensure that the allocated funds are included in the final government budget.

Yeo Junghyup, Deputy Governor for Administration of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, stated, “The expansion of the budget for eco-friendly clean projects marks a meaningful achievement for water quality preservation in the upper Hangang River region and for improving residents’ quality of life.” He added, “We will continue consulting with relevant organizations to push for institutional improvements, such as realizing the actual water usage charges, to ensure a stable flow of these crucial funds.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.