- Date 2025-03-26
- Hit 31
Plans for Southern Ganghwa to Become a Free Economic Zone
Special Feature on Ganghwa International City
In 2025, an additional free economic zone in Incheon will be designated alongside Songdo, Yeongjong, and Cheongna international cities. This new zone will encompass the southern part of Ganghwa, covering an area of about 20.26 ㎢ around Hwado-myeon, Gilsang-myeon, and Yangyang-myeon. The city of Incheon and IFEZ are currently working on a plan to develop the area into a key base for future high-tech industries. The amendment of the Special Act on Designation and Management of Free Economic Zones is expected to accelerate the designation of a free economic zone in the southern part of Ganghwa-gun. This is because the amendment changes the designation method from a lump-sum public competition to a rolling application and designation system.
The IFEZA Officially Submits the Development Proposal for the ‘Ganghwa International City Project’ to the MOTIE
The city of Incheon and the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA) officially submitted the development proposal for the “Ganghwa International City Project” to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy (MOTIE) on December 3, 2024. The proposal was discussed for the first time on December 17 at a consultation meeting on free economic zones organized by the MOTIE. This was the first official step toward designating the southern part of Ganghwa as a Free Economic Zone. The initial proposal will be refined to reflect feedback raised during the meeting. The development site covers an area of about 20.26 ㎢ (approximately 6 million pyeong) spanning Hwado-myeon, Gilsang-myeon, and Yangyang-myeon in Ganghwa-gun. The project will be divided into two phases: Phase 1 (10.03 ㎢) and Phase 2 (10.23 ㎢). IFEZ aims to obtain approval for its development plan and complete the designation of the zone by 2025.
Building Mega Clusters for Future Industries
According to the development plan announced by IFEZ, the southern part of Ganghwa will be home to △the Green Bio Foundry Complex, △Marine Healing Zone, and △the Eco-Friendly Wellness Residential Complex. It will also include a high-tech flower complex, a smart farm, and a seed research center. IFEZ will focus on building a bio mega cluster connecting Songdo, Yeongjong, and Ganghwa. The project aims to contribute to building a future industrial ecosystem, revitalizing the local economy, and creating new jobs, all while developing the southern part of Ganghwa as a key base for high-tech future industries
An Accelerated Development Plan Thanks to Amendment of the Applicable Law
The recent amendment of the Special Act on Designation and Management of Free Economic Zones is expected to accelerate the project. With this amendment, the designation of free economic zones has shifted from a lump-sum public competition to a rolling application and designation system, allowing the city of Incheon and the IFEZA to accelerate their push forward with the designation of the southern part of Ganghwa. The revised law also clarifies the requirements for designation of free economic zones and the process for establishing development plans, thereby laying the foundation to set up customized development plans that take into account the characteristics of Ganghwa’s southern region. Such changes are expected to bring positive impacts for the designation and development of this new free economic zone.
Speeding up the Expansion of Transportation Infrastructure
In addition to the designation of a free economic zone in the southern part of Ganghwa, the expansion of transportation infrastructure is also in full swing. The city of Incheon is moving forward with a plan to expand the West Sea North-South Peace Road connecting Yeongjong and Ganghwa, widening the road from two lanes to four, and a pre-feasibility study has been commissioned for this purpose. The research group under the Incheon Metropolitan Council pointed out the urgent need to expand the transportation network connecting the metropolitan area to Ganghwa, emphasizing that establishing a road network from Ganghwa to Seoul is a key factor in increasing the competitiveness of the free economic zone. Such improvements in transportation infrastructure are expected to have positive impacts on attracting businesses and boosting the local economy.
Free Economic Zone in Southern Ganghwa to Envision the Future of Incheon
IFEZ announced its plan to strengthen Incheon’s global competitive advantage and lay the foundation for future national growth by designating the southern part of Ganghwa as a free economic zone. To achieve this, it will continue to consult with the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy, while communicating with local residents to complement its development plan. The designation of a free economic zone in the southern part of Ganghwa is expected to contribute to easing regulations in the metropolitan area and strengthening decentralization, and the city of Incheon expects it to become a new model for balanced regional development.
MINI INTERVIEW
Meet the People of Ganghwa
Who Dream of Ganghwa International City
"Designation of the southern part of Ganghwa as an economic free zone?
We will design Incheon’s future growth engine."
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Plans for Southern Ganghwa to Become a Free Economic Zone < Special Feature on Ganghwa International City > Plans for Southern Ganghwa to Become a Free Economic Zone In 2025, an additional free economic zone in Incheon will be designated alongside Songdo, Yeongjong, and Cheongna international cities. This new zone will encompass the southern part of Ganghwa, covering an area of about 20.26 ㎢ around Hwado-myeon, Gilsang-myeon, and Yangyang-myeon. The city of Incheon and IFEZ are currently working on a plan to develop the area into a key base for future high-tech industries. The amendment of the Special Act on Designation and Management of Free Economic Zones is expected to accelerate the designation of a free economic zone in the southern part of Ganghwa-gun. This is because the amendment changes the designation method from a lump-sum public competition to a rolling application and designation system.