WONJU, a city of some 350,000 residents, once home to several military bases, has now become one of the fastest growing cities in the province of Gangwon-do in South Korea.
This transformation was enabled by the city government’s continued and unwavering efforts to revamp and revitalise the local economy through investment in infrastructures in various sectors and major policies, demonstrated by the growing influx of the population.
In addition, the Sogeumsan grand valley site attracts a huge number of tourists with its landmark Suspension Bridge which stands 100 meters high; Ulleong Bridge, a glass walking bridge that spans 400 metres long; a glamping ground; and the media facade music fountain, the largest of its kind in Korea.
The annual Korean Paper Festival promotes the city’s compelling and exquisite traditional Korean paper resources and culture.
Major developments include transportation services stretching in all directions: approximately one hour distance to the capital city of Seoul, more than fourteen major public organisations relocated in the innovative town zone creating jobs, medical device businesses, an iconic industry of the region, helping energise the local economy.
Cultural legacy represented by the novelist Park Gyeong-ni who wrote the world-renowned epic novel Toji, land as well as social properties has led to the membership with the WHO Alliance for Health Cities as well as the UNESCO’s Creative City Network designated as the City of Literature.
Besides, the city has formed collaborative and exchange networks with seven different cities around the globe to foster and enhance exchanges in arts and culture, sports, and education.
