Hapcheon County reviews 353 projects for 2027, finalises 71 election pledges

Hapcheon County in South Gyeongsang Province held three days of reporting sessions on its 2027 work plans from 30 September to 6 October, reviewing 353 projects in total, the county said. The figure comprised 71 pledge projects, 142 pending issues and 140 new policy initiatives, according to Asia Economy and Yonhap. [ 1 , 3 ]

The sessions brought together county government departments, directly affiliated institutions and affiliated bodies including the facility management corporation and Hapcheon Distribution. Each department reported its project direction and detailed plans and discussed expected problems and responses, along with schedules, funding, administrative procedures and cross-department cooperation, Asia Economy reported, adding that new initiatives were reviewed for their links to residents' daily lives and the local economy. Yonhap said the county focused on results residents can feel rather than listing plans. [ 1 , 3 ]

Governor Kim Yun-cheol told the meeting to confirm each project's schedule, funding and prior procedures in advance and to examine where departments need to work together, saying new initiatives should reflect residents' views and local conditions, Asia Economy reported. Yonhap quoted him saying that “execution matters more than planning” and asking officials to handle schedules, funding and procedures thoroughly so residents feel their lives have actually changed. [ 1 , 3 ]

The county said it will supplement the 2027 plans based on the discussions and prepare detailed implementation plans. Because the 353 projects were reviewed at the planning stage, Asia Economy reported that whether each proceeds and its schedule will be settled later through budget drafting and administrative procedures; Yonhap said the county plans to finalise detailed plans and push the projects from the start of the year. [ 1 , 3 ]

Seoul Economic Daily reported that the county has finalised its 71 pledges under the 9th elected term, grouped in five fields, and will publish detailed action plans within October. It said the county's stated vision is “advancing through communication, empathy and harmony”, and that the pledges cover a “No. 1 rich farming city”, a western Gyeongsang transport hub and future growth city, a city where children and young people stay, welfare and safety, and culture, tourism and sports. [ 4 ]

Among the projects, Seoul Economic Daily said the county is seeking a 900㎿ pumped-storage plant at Odosan in Bongsan-myeon Apgok-ri, with a total project cost of 1.8 trillion won, as a national project it wants reflected in the government's 11th power supply plan, citing the site's terrain and what it says is more than 95% resident support. It said the county won a Dumusan pumped-storage plant in late 2023 and now wants a linked “twin” plant at the adjacent Odosan to cut costs and raise efficiency. [ 4 ]

The same report said a rural basic income task force was set up on 22 September in the planning and budget office; that a geological theme park centre for the Hapcheon meteorite crater tourism project is due for completion in December, with a trail to be built by 2029; that the county says it secured 74.2 billion won in project funding during the 9th elected term, including a rural special district designated in July; and that it agreed with the Korea Wrestling Association on 10 July to host national wrestling competitions from 2027 to 2031. [ 4 ]