Since pledging to go carbon neutral by 2050 in 2020 to combat climate change, Korea has pursued strategies to achieve its goal, one of which is the phasing out of coal production for power generation and major expansion of the use of renewable energy. With the gradual shutdowns of coal-fired power plants, mines stations are starting to close. To prevent depopulation and extinction of regions as a result of the move toward green energy, a government project seeks to revive and advance the economies of such areas. The objective is to go beyond mere job creation and aim for restructuring toward high-value industries tailored for each region. This story explores the transformations of three former mining areas.
By Lee Dasom
1. Clean methanol plant in Taebaek, Gangwon-do Province
Jangseong Mining Station in Taebaek, Gangwon-do Province (Taebaek City Hall)
Taebaek, Gangwon-do Province, was designated by the Presidential Commission on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth as a model city for clean methanol, a low-carbon fuel made with biomass, bioenergy or renewable energy. The goal is to produce clean methanol that can contribute to carbon neutrality using the region's rich forest resources and renewable energy infrastructure.
The clean methanol plant has a budget of KRW 354 billion and will be based at the site of Jangseong Mining Station, which was closed in July last year. The Taebaek municipal government eyes initial annual output of 22,000 tons of the fuel by 2028.
In August, the project passed the Ministry of Economy and Finance's feasibility survey, and the city expects that it will yield practical results in its economy, job creation and alleviation of depopulation.
2. Heavy ion accelerator-based medical cluster in Samcheok, Gangwon-do
Site of former Dogye Mining Station in Samcheok, Gangwon-do Province (Samcheok City Hall)
Another city in Gangwon-do, Samcheok, is promoting a cluster for the medical industry based on heavy ion accelerators at the former Dogye Mining Station, which closed in June in the town of Dogye-eup, as an alternative sector. A heavy ion accelerator is a key piece of equipment for heavy ion therapy, which is used to destroy cancer cells by accelerating heavy particles like carbon.
The device is also called a "dream device for cancer treatment" because it maximizes the therapeutic effects of intractable cancers and minimizes side effects.
The cluster is slated for completion by 2029 in an area of 120,000 square m in Dogye-eup, and will house a cancer treatment center using the accelerators, education and R&D centers for relevant research and training personnel, high-grade nursing hospitals, and recreational and residential facilities for patients and their caregivers.
The city government said this project will transform Samcheok's mining-centric industrial structure into a high value-added medical city, build a sustainable business infrastructure, stimulate the regional economy, contribute to balanced development of medical services, and boost regional medical functions.
3. Bio and food-based agro-industrial and smart farm complexes in Hwasun-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province
Site of former Hwasun Mining Station in Hwasun-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province. (Hwasun-gun Office)
From the 1970s to the 80s, Hwasun Mine Station in Hwasun-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province, played a pivotal role in the regional economy and helped drive the country's economic growth. The site was shut down in June 2023 due to a shift in national energy policy.
To prevent the outflow of its population and alleviate economic stagnation caused by the shrinking industrial base, the county government in 2028 will launch construction of an agro-industrial complex based on biotech and food and another compound for smart farming.
Hwasun-gun will receive KRW 70 billion in national funding for this project, which is budgeted at KRW 357.9 billion, the county's most expensive venture in history. The goal is to speed up the project so that the region can evolve from a former mining area to a hub of innovative industry and tourism that creates jobs, stimulates the regional economy, improves residential conditions and sets the foundation for sustainable growth.
The reinvention of abandoned mining sites is considered a strategic response to the climate crisis as well as a method to revive regional economies. Expectations are high that these sectors tailored to each region such as clean energy, advanced health care and smart farming will bring big benefits to their respective communities.
dlektha0319@korea.kr