Pocheon, a city in Gyeonggi Province, has been selected as a candidate site for the province's Peace Economic Zone. The city plans to build a hybrid special zone anchored by tourism resources such as the Hantangang Global Geopark and smart agriculture, generating an estimated 12.67 trillion won ($9.3 billion) in production ripple effects.
Gyeonggi Province announced on the 30th that it held a "Peace Economic Zone Candidate Site Selection Committee" meeting at the provincial government's northern office on the 27th, selecting three locations: Pocheon, Yeoncheon, and Paju. The province conducted an open application process from February 11 to March 10, targeting eight border-area cities and counties including Goyang, Paju, Gimpo, Yangju, Pocheon, Dongducheon, Gapyeong, and Yeoncheon. Seven of the eight municipalities participated.
The Peace Economic Zone is a national strategic project that combines peace and security values with industrial and economic functions in inter-Korean border areas. Once designated as a special zone, beneficiaries receive corporate tax and local tax reductions, fee exemptions, and financial support. Zones can be developed as industrial complex-type, tourism and culture-type, or hybrid-type.
Pocheon plans to develop a hybrid special zone model where tourism and agriculture serve as twin pillars, creating a virtuous cycle of lodging, consumption, processing, and distribution. The approach comprehensively links the city's rich tourism resources including the Hantangang Global Geopark, smart farm-centered advanced agricultural infrastructure, and accessibility to the Seoul metropolitan area. The city also plans to build a foundation as a base for economic cooperation and peace tourism in preparation for changes in inter-Korean relations.
Pocheon has been pursuing research studies, policy seminars, public briefings, and consultations with relevant agencies. Going forward, the city will carry out follow-up research studies in phases to establish a development plan in cooperation with Gyeonggi Province and related agencies.
Once the special zone is established, ripple effects are expected across the region, including expanded private investment attraction, job creation, tourism revitalization, high value-added agriculture, infrastructure expansion, and improved living conditions. Specifically, production ripple effects of approximately 12.67 trillion won ($9.3 billion) and employment creation of about 7,600 jobs are anticipated.
Pocheon Mayor Baek Young-hyun said, "This is a city that has endured sacrifices for national security for over 70 years." He added, "This selection will be a starting point for turning Pocheon's sacrifices into opportunities for future growth."
