The Bukhan River-Seom River sector among Han River Restoration Project is busy with paving road for bicycle riders. The new bike trail gives an impression as if you ride upon the water surface of the Euiam Lake with adrenalizing instinct for speeding. We have posed some questions to Mr. Jeong Byeong-yun who inaugurated as the head of the Wonju RCMA about the status of Gangwon Province, including the bike path construction.
Now the Four Major Rivers Restoration Project entered finalizing phase. What can earn, if any, Gangwon Province out of the Project?
Though it occurred in other districts as well as the Han River, this Gangwon Province has been exposed upon the non-point pollutant sources because there are many agricultural lands along the rivers. Having rearranged riverside farmland is one of the best outcomes through the project. Agricultural wastes which have been neglected were also successfully disposed of.
What kind of influence do you expect that the Bukhan River Restoration Project will give to the province?
In the aspect of efficiency, Gangwon Province would supposedly have less expense recouped than investment costs. Although invested amount on new roads and tunnel construction is considerable, the seasonal variation of tourists is changeable and confined in specific areas. However, in the view of having created diverse tourist attractions thanks to environment-friendly spaces, I see positively the tourism of Gangwon Province is promising.
I've heard that you are creating the Writers Square in Gangchon District.
In June 1, we signed on MOU with KWA (the Korean Writers’ Association) about creation of Writers Square and monuments. The Writers Square is going to be placed in the Zone 10, the Han River (Gangchon 1 District) near the Baekyangsa Temple. The site and its surroundings are famous for students’ MT, camping and social events. In the vicinity, Deungseon Waterfall and Gangchon Amusement Park keep its attraction connecting to the magnificent view of Euiam Lake in the upper stream. Besides, there are Animation Museum, Hall of Korean Traditional Performing Arts and more. We have plenty of assets to make this region the center of riverside culture. The Baekyangri Station is located right aside so that it guarantees one-hour accessibility from Seoul.
The Gangchon District where Writers Square is scheduled to be placed has a plan to complete the ecopark and bike trail by September, when local festivals (Soyang River Culture Fest and Gangchon MTB Challenge) start. When Writers Square and symbolic monuments are completed, it is expected that the Gangchon District will endear itself to all as the center of riverside culture.
The bike trail on the Bukhan River and the Seom River has already gained cycling lover’s anticipation. How is it going now?
In order to make the Seom River as enjoyable, tangible and coexistent with human and nature, we are creating Bikeway & Eco-Trail in the riparian area. It is to provide opportunities for riders to admire the gift of nature while cycling. Especially, the Hojeo District (Seom River Zone 14) where is held 'Hoengseong County Hanu Festival' is what we want to boast of. For convenience while cycling in festivals, we are gearing up the completion of 5 km bike trail by the end of the year. Besides the bike path of the Seom River, other courses are also created with respective themes. In case of Chuncheon sector (Zone 10 and 11, the Han River); new bike trail is under construction in order for riders to travel around along the Seoul-Chuncheon Double Track Railway stretching parallel to the Bukhan River. When the bike trail is completed in coming September, you can easily enjoy cycling between two cities with enjoying the natural scent to the fullest. I expect it surely have a beneficial influence on the local economy.
We plan to pave a new bike trail in Hwacheon city (Zone 12, the Han River) where hosts annually Sancheoneo Festival, Tomato Festival and dugout canoe festival. Meanwhile, we make another theme bike path near the excavation site of Hanseong Baekjae in Woncheon-ri for cultural properties conservation and historic site experience. In case of Wonju, we lay a 24 km bike path in Huyong-Ganhyeon District (Zone 13, the Han River) which connect the mainstream area of Namhan River with the city of Wonju. When it opens with Jungang Line (re-open as a double track railway from Cheongryangri to Seowonju), you will be able to travel around along Seom River and Namhan River in affiliation with eco-rail bike train. We Wonju RCMA vigorously go forward to accomplish this project by collecting public opinions and reflecting close cooperation with concerned organizations.
As a matter of fact, it is already open to public. June 2, pupils from Wonju Samseong Kindergarten participated in a walking event in the riparian area of the Seom River. With the local residents as centered, more people are visiting the newly created waterfront area.
Could you explain about the future plan for Baekjae historic site excavation in Hwacheon County?
The relic excavation area in Woncheon district is very elaborately handled sector because a dedicated approach apt to cultural assets was necessary. The excavation was almost the same as completed. We are going to utilize the area as an ideal tourist attraction for history and culture inquiry. When the bike trail is completed, it will be in the limelight as a road for historical inquiry and cultural properties conservation.
Since Hwacheon and Yanggu area have relatively many local festivals, municipalities concerned to the project might have more interest on it.
That's right. As well as Hwacheon and Yanggu, the other municipalities like Yeongwol, Hoengseong and Chuncheon where the Project processes on have an expectation that these civil constructions contribute to raise up diversity for local events. Particularly, waterfront areas have more spotlights because the municipalities later have to maintain. For the consultation on these matters, we frequently discuss with them.
Interviewed by Hong Seong-in, Reporter, New Daily
