A research proposes ideas to develop the Hantan River

A research proposes ideas to develop the Hantan River. July. 25, 2017 07:25. by Kyung-Hyun Nam bibulus@donga.com.

Gyeonggi Province has released a research report on how to leverage resources of the Hantan River in northern Gyeonggi Province.

The report proposed “Academy Trekking,” the one and only course in the world as a vision to utilize the Hantan River since its purpose was to maximize the synergy effect of the development project of the river, which has been developed sporadically by different local governments including Pocheon City, Gyeonggi Province and Cheorwon County, Gangwon Province.

It suggested three tasks for Academy Trekking: developing the Hantan River into a campus, utilizing the trail of the river, and strengthening sustainable competitiveness. To develop the river into a campus includes being certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark, storytelling and theme creation of history and humanities resources, and developing an integrated tourist programs. It suggested developing an integrated brand for the river, creating a network of tourism resources and promoting long-staying tourism to activate the trails of the river. As a way to increase competitiveness in a sustainable manner, it stressed creating a human network beyond the region and a jointed effort to manage the environment of the river.

Gyeonggi Province and Gangwon Province are trying to make the Hantan River and its nearby area that has excellent landscape with valleys, waterfalls and columnar joints a UNESCO-accredited Global Geopark.