PART I GENERAL PROVISIONS
The purpose of this Act is to guarantee substantial decentralization by establishing Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province in which the higher level of autonomy is guaranteed based on the self-rule, accountability, creativity and diversity of Sis/Guns, building on the regional, historical, and cultural traits of the former Gangwon-do, and to contribute to the improvement of the welfare of the residents of the province and national development by creating a future industry global city through free economic activities enabled by regulatory innovation and the efficient management of environmental resources.
The term "future industrial global city" in this Act means a regional unit which plays a more central role in the fostering of high-tech industries, free business activities, the training of international talents, sustainable environmental management, and international exchanges in response to the transition to a new industrial society resulting from scientific and technological innovation, climate change, etc.
| Article 3 (Scope of application) |
This Act shall apply only to the jurisdictional territory of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province established under Article 7 (hereinafter referred to as "Gangwon Self-Governing Province").
| Article 4 (Responsibilities of the State) |
| (1) | The State shall take legislative and administrative measures including the continuous enhancement of the relevant statutes or regulations, to guarantee the local autonomy of Gangwon Self-Governing Province and to strengthen its regional capabilities. |
| (2) | The State shall formulate plans and policies to realize advanced decentralization in Gangwon Self-Governing Province by evaluating the operational objectives of Gangwon Self-Governing Province and the level of achievement thereof. |
| (3) | The State shall endeavor to develop administrative and financial support measures to encourage Gangwon Self-Governing Province to take the lead in efforts to produce improved outcomes. |
| (4) | The State shall ensure that Gangwon Self-Governing Province continues to enjoy all the administrative and financial benefits which have been enjoyed by the former Gangwon-do but which are to be scrapped upon the enforcement of this Act. |
| (5) | The State shall endeavor to relax regulations to revitalize the development of the underdeveloped areas of Gangwon Self-Governing Province. |
| Article 5 (Responsibilities of Gangwon Self-Governing Province) |
| (1) | Gangwon Self-Governing Province shall fully cooperate with the State in the establishment and implementation of national policies regarding Gangwon Self-Governing Province. |
| (2) | Gangwon Self-Governing Province shall enact, amend, or repeal its Provincial Ordinance (hereinafter referred to as "Provincial Ordinance") regarding matters for which this Act requires or authorizes Gangwon Self-Governing Province to regulate by its ordinances in conformity with the purposes of this Act. |
| (3) | Gangwon Self-Governing Province shall conclude an agreement on the performance objectives of Gangwon Self-Governing Province and the evaluation thereof (including matters regarding autonomous police and education systems) with the Prime Minister. In such cases, the Prime Minister shall hold pre-consultations with the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies, over the evaluation as to whether the results of devolution and deregulation implemented by central administrative agencies have contributed to the development and growth of Gangwon Self-Governing Province and over the system improvement, etc. based on the outcomes of such evaluation. |
| Article 6 (Relationship to other statutes) |
| (1) | This Act shall prevail over other statutes with respect to the organization and operation of Gangwon Self-Governing Province, and devolution and deregulation, etc. implemented by central administrative agencies; provided, if otherwise provided by other statutes regarding Gangwon Self-Governing Province, such statutes shall apply. |
| (2) | Where the authority of the head of a central administrative agency or other relevant persons has been devolved on the Gangwon Self-Governing Province Governor under this Act (including duties, principles, guidelines, and procedures related to devolved authority; hereinafter the same shall apply), the authority devolved on Gangwon Self-Governing Province shall be deemed the authority of the head of the central administrative agency or other relevant persons prescribed by the relevant statutes or regulations, and the relevant statutes or regulations shall apply accordingly. The same shall also apply where matters applicable to the heads of central administrative agencies or other relevant persons are prescribed as applicable to Gangwon Self-Governing Province Governor. |
PART II ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATION OF GANGWON SPECIAL SELF-GOVERNING PROVINCE
CHAPTER I ESTABLISHMENT OF GANGWON SPECIAL SELF-GOVERNING PROVINCE
| Article 7 (Establishment of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province) |
| (1) | Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province shall be established under the direct jurisdiction of the Government. |
| (2) | The jurisdictional territory of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province shall be the same as the jurisdictional territory of the former Gangwon-do. |
| (3) | Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province shall have special status within the extent provided for by this Act. |
| Article 8 (Special support for Gangwon Self-Governing Province) |
| (1) | The heads of central administrative agencies may provide special administrative and financial support to Gangwon Self-Governing Province. |
| (2) | Where various policy programs are implemented under this Act, the head of a central administrative agency may give preferential support to Gangwon Self-Governing Province. |
| Article 9 (Special cases concerning entrustment of business affairs of Gangwon Self-Governing Province) |
| (1) | The Gangwon Self-Governing Province Governor or the Superintendent of the Gangwon Self-Governing Provincial Office of Education may partially entrust the business affairs within the jurisdiction and the business affairs delegated under statutes or regulations to another local government or the head thereof. |
| (2) | Except as provided in this Act in relation to the entrustment of business affairs, Article 168 of the Local Autonomy Act regarding the entrustment of business affairs shall apply mutatis mutandis. |
| Article 10 (Special cases concerning application of statutes or regulations upon establishment of Gangwon Self-Governing Province) |
| (1) | Where other statutes or regulations cite a local government or Do, Gangwon Self-Governing Province shall be deemed to be included therein each, and the relevant statutes or regulations shall apply accordingly. |
| (2) | Where other statutes or regulations cite a member of a local council or Do council, a member of the Gangwon Self-Governing Province Council shall be deemed to be included therein each, and the relevant statutes or regulations shall apply accordingly. |
| (3) | Where other statutes or regulations cite the head of a local government or the Governor, the Gangwon Self-Governing Province Governor (hereinafter referred to as the "Governor") shall be deemed to be included therein each, and the relevant statutes or regulations shall apply accordingly. |
| (4) | Where other statutes or regulations cite a local council or Do council, the Gangwon Self-Governing Province Council (hereinafter referred to as the "Provincial Council") shall be deemed to be included therein each, and the relevant statutes or regulations shall apply accordingly. |
| (5) | Where other statutes or regulations cite the ordinances or rules of a local government or Do, the ordinances or rules of Gangwon Self-Governing Province shall be deemed to be included therein, and the relevant statutes or regulations shall apply accordingly. |
| (6) | Where other statutes or regulations cite the superintendent of education, the Superintendent of the Gangwon Self-Governing Provincial Office of Education (hereinafter referred to as "Superintendent of the Provincial Office of Education") shall be deemed to be included therein, and the relevant statutes or regulations shall apply accordingly. |
| (7) | Where the Framework Act on Local Taxes or other statutes or regulations cite a local tax or Do tax, the Gangwon Self-Governing Province tax shall be deemed to be included therein, and the relevant statutes or regulations shall apply accordingly. |
| (8) | Where the Special Self-Governing Province is cited in other statutes or regulations under which the Special Self-Governing Province is viewed as a local government equivalent to a Si/Gun, the Special Self-Governing Province shall be deemed not to include Gangwon Self-Governing Province, and the relevant statutes or regulations shall apply accordingly. |
| (9) | Where the Special Self-Governing Province Governor is cited in other statutes or regulations under which the Special Self-Governing Province Governor is viewed as the head of a local government equivalent to the head of a Si/Gun, the Special Self-Governing Province Governor shall be deemed not to include the Do Governor, and the relevant statutes or regulations shall apply accordingly. |
CHAPTER II ESTABLISHMENT OF SUPPORTING COMMITTEE FOR GANGWON SPECIAL SELF-GOVERNING PROVINCE
| Article 11 (Establishment of Supporting Committee for Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province) |
| (1) | In order to support the smooth launch of Gangwon Self-Governing Province and to contribute to substantial decentralization and the improvement of regional competitiveness, the Supporting Committee for Gangwon Self-Governing Province (hereinafter referred to as the "Supporting Committee") shall be established under the jurisdiction of the Prime Minister to deliberate on the following matters; in such cases, the Supporting Committee may be organized and operated in consolidation with other committees of a nature similar thereto if necessary, as prescribed by statutes: |
| 1. | Plans for medium- to long-term development of Gangwon Self-Governing Province; |
| 2. | Enhancement of administrative and financial autonomy of Gangwon Self-Governing Province and preparation of administrative and financial support measures under Article 4 (3); |
| 3. | Conclusion of agreements under Article 5 (3), and utilization of the outcomes of evaluation; |
| 4. | Promotion of liberalization of Gangwon Self-Governing Province from administrative regulations; |
| 5. | Matters related to the creation of Gangwon High-Tech Science and Technology Complex; |
| 6. | Consultation and conciliation between the Governor and the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies in relation with matters under subparagraphs 1 through 5; |
| 7. | Other matters deemed necessary by the chairperson of the Supporting Committee or the Governor and referred to a meeting thereof. |
| (2) | The Supporting Committee shall be composed of at least 25 members, but not exceeding 30 members, including 1 chairperson. |
| (3) | The Prime Minister shall serve as the chairperson of the Supporting Committee, and the members of the Supporting Committee shall be appointed or commissioned by the Prime Minister, from among the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies, the heads of the relevant local governments, and persons who have extensive knowledge of and experience in urban development and local autonomy. |
| (4) | A working committee shall be established to examine agenda items to be deliberated upon by the Supporting Committee and to manage the matters delegated by the Supporting Committee. |
| (5) | A working committee under paragraph (4) shall be composed of up to 25 members, including 1 chairperson, and the Minister of the Office for Government Policy Coordination shall take the chair thereof. |
| (6) | A working support group may be established to manage and support the business affairs of the Supporting Committee. |
| (7) | Except as provided in this Act, matters necessary for the composition, operation, etc. of the Supporting Committee and the working committee, and for the composition, operation, etc. of the working support group shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 12 (Measures taken following deliberation by Supporting Committee) |
The Supporting Committee shall notify the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies of the results of deliberating on matters under each subparagraph of Article 11 (1), and the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies shall take necessary measures upon receipt of such notification.
| Article 13 (Promotion of deregulation) |
| (1) | The head of a central administrative agency shall endeavor to prioritize the improvement of regulations under the relevant statutes or regulations applicable to Gangwon Self-Governing Province in order to develop Gangwon Self-Governing Province into a regulation-free area which leads national development. |
| (2) | Gangwon Self-Governing Province shall prescribe, in Provincial Ordinance, basic matters regarding regulatory improvement required for the creation of a future industrial global city. |
| (3) | Provincial Ordinance under paragraph (2) shall include matters regarding the registration and publication of regulations stipulated in municipal ordinances and rules, the examination of the establishment or reinforcement of regulations, the improvement of existing regulations, the establishment of a regulatory review body, etc. |
| (4) | Gangwon Self-Governing Province shall re-examine the regulations prescribed by municipal ordinances and rules by setting a period not exceeding 5 years as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance, and shall take regulatory reform measures, such as the improvement of regulations details, procedures, etc. In such cases, the means of regulatory reform prescribed by Provincial Ordinance may be utilized. |
| (5) | The Governor shall submit the outcomes of re-examination and regulatory reform plans under paragraph (4) to the Supporting Committee. |
| (6) | If necessary in relation to matters referred to in paragraphs (2) through (5), the Supporting Committee may present its opinion to the Governor after deliberation. |
CHAPTER III ENHANCED AUTONOMY
| Article 14 (Special cases concerning residents' voting) |
Notwithstanding Article 9 (2) of the Residents' Voting Act, residents may file a petition for residents' voting with signatures of residents of at least the number prescribed by Provincial Ordinance, within the range of at least 1/30 but not more than 1/5 of the total number of petitioners for residents' voting.
| Article 15 (Exchange and dispatch of personnel between the state and Gangwon Self-Governing Province) |
| (1) | The Governor may conduct personnel exchanges with other local governments, State agencies, public organizations, overseas administrative agencies, and other organizations within the range of 5/100 of the fixed number of public officials under his or her control after consultation with the heads thereof, in order to improve the Province's ability of executing autonomous administration and further develop the capabilities of the public officials under his or her control. |
| (2) | Criteria and methods for the exchange of personnel under paragraph (1) and other matters necessary for the support, etc. of personnel to be exchanged shall be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (3) | Notwithstanding Article 30-4 (4) of the Local Public Officials Act, matters necessary for grounds, period and procedures for dispatch, and service, etc. during the period of dispatch shall be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (4) | In order to ensure consistency in national policy implementation and interconnectedness between the State and Gangwon Self-Governing Province, the State shall actively cooperate with Gangwon Self-Governing Province in personnel exchange. |
| Article 16 (Selection and employment of local talents) |
| (1) | The Governor or the Superintendent of the Provincial Office of Education may select local talents to employ them for internship for up to 3 years as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance, and may appoint those deemed excellent in work performance and quality during the internship period, as public officials of Grade VII or lower, following deliberation by the Provincial Personnel Committee or the Provincial Office of Education Personnel Committee, at least one month before the expiry of such internship period. |
| (2) | Notwithstanding Article 28 (1) of the Local Public Officials Act, the appointment process for probationers may be exempted, where a person who has worked as an intern under paragraph (1) is to be appointed as a public official of Grade VII or lower. |
| Article 17 (Grant of and support for special cases) |
| (1) | The head of a Si/Gun in Gangwon Self-Governing Province may request the Minister of the Interior and Safety to grant special cases to the relevant Si/Gun pursuant to Article 198 (2) 2 of the Local Autonomy Act, after consultation with the Governor. |
| (2) | Upon receipt of a request made under paragraph (1), the Minister of the Interior and Safety may grant special cases as prescribed by the relevant statutes after consultation with the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies. |
| (3) | Gangwon Self-Governing Province may provide administrative and financial support for projects implemented by a Si/Gun granted with special cases. |
| Article 18 (Resident Participatory Budgeting System) |
| (1) | The Governor shall allow residents to participate in the budgeting process by public invitation, etc. |
| (2) | The scope of resident participatory budgeting, the methods of and procedures for the selection of participating residents, and other matters necessary for residents' participation process, etc. shall be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| Article 19 (Special cases concerning establishment of balanced regional development special accounts) |
In order to secure stable finances for the development of Gangwon Self-Governing Province, the State may provide assistance by establishing a separate account in the Special Account for Regional Balanced Development under the Special Act on Local Autonomy, Decentralization, and Balanced Regional Development to cover expenses incurred in the implementation, etc. of various State-subsidized projects.
| Article 20 (Responsibility for fiscal soundness) |
| (1) | The Governor shall formulate policies necessary to ensure that finances are managed soundly in accordance with the principle of balance of revenue and expenditure. |
| (2) | Details regarding the sound management of finances under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
CHAPTER V AUDIT AND INSPECTION COMMITTEE
| Article 21 (Establishment and duties of Audit and Inspection Committee) |
| (1) | Notwithstanding Article 190 of the Local Autonomy Act (including cases applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 3 of the Local Education Autonomy Act) and Article 81 of the Local Public Officials Act, the Audit and Inspection Committee shall be established under the jurisdiction of the Governor in order to investigate, inspect, confirm, analyze, and verify the general affairs and activities undertaken by agencies subject to audit and inspection, and by personnel thereof, and to take follow-up measures based on the findings thereof under Article 25 (hereinafter referred to as "autonomous audit and inspection"). |
| (2) | The Audit and Inspection Committee shall be independent in performing its duties. |
| (3) | The Audit and Inspection Committee shall be composed of up to 7 members, including 1 chairperson of the Audit and Inspection Committee (hereinafter referred to as "chairperson of the Audit and Inspection Committee"). |
| (4) | Members of the Audit and Inspection Committee shall be appointed or commissioned by the Governor, from among persons who have the qualifications prescribed by Provincial Ordinance, but 2 members shall be commissioned upon recommendation by the Provincial Council, another 2 members upon recommendation by the Superintendent of the Provincial Office of Education. |
| (5) | Each member who is not a public official of Gangwon Self-Governing Province shall hold office for a term of 3 years; provided, a member appointed or commissioned to fill a vacancy shall serve for the remaining term of his or her predecessor. |
| (6) | Details necessary for autonomous audit and inspection, including the specific methods and scope of autonomous audit and inspection, the standards with which members shall generally comply in their autonomous audit and inspection activities, shall be determined by the chairperson of the Audit and Inspection Committee, following resolution by the Audit and Inspection Committee. |
| (7) | Other matters necessary for the composition and operation of the Audit and Inspection Committee shall be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| Article 22 (Chairperson of Audit and Inspection Committee) |
| (1) | The chairperson of the Audit and Inspection Committee shall be appointed by the Governor with the consent of the Provincial Council. |
| (2) | The chairperson of the Audit and Inspection Committee shall represent the Audit and Inspection Committee and exercise general supervision over its affairs. |
| (3) | The term of office of the chairperson of the Audit and Inspection Committee shall be 3 years. |
| (4) | When the chairperson of the Audit and Inspection Committee is unable to perform any of his or her duties due to unavoidable circumstances, a member appointed from among the members of the Audit and Inspection Committee as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance shall act on his or her behalf. |
| Article 23 (Secretariat of Audit and Inspection Committee) |
| (1) | The Audit and Inspection Committee shall have a secretariat to assist the Audit and Inspection Committee in its autonomous audit and inspection activities and to perform any administrative affairs related to the Audit and Inspection Committee, and the employees of the secretariat shall be appointed by the Governor upon recommendation of the chairperson of the Audit and Inspection Committee. |
| (2) | The employees of the secretariat established under paragraph (1) shall be local public officials or national public officials in specific positions (limited to where the employees to be appointed by the Governor are firefighters). |
| (3) | Other matters necessary for the organization, duties, and operation of the secretariat shall be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| Article 24 (Autonomous audit and inspection plans) |
| (1) | The Audit and Inspection Committee shall formulate a plan for autonomous audit and inspection which includes its objectives, subject matters and scope and agencies subject thereto, before engaging in such activities, in order to ensure a systematic and effective audit and inspection; provided, an autonomous audit and inspection plan may be modified even during the audit and inspection, if necessary. |
| (2) | The Audit and Inspection Committee shall notify the head of an agency subject to autonomous audit and inspection of the main content of the plan under paragraph (1) not later than 30 days before the scheduled date for audit and inspection; provided, this shall not apply where autonomous audit and inspection needs to be conducted in a prompt manner due to urgent circumstances or where it is unavoidable for ensuring the effectiveness of such autonomous audit and inspection. |
| (3) | Where an autonomous audit and inspection plan is modified after the Audit and Inspection Committee notifies the head of an agency subject thereto of the plan under paragraph (2), the Audit and Inspection Committee shall notify the head of such agency of any modification without delay. |
| (4) | The Audit and Inspection Committee shall notify an autonomous audit and inspection plan under paragraph (1) (referring to a modified plan, if modified) to the Chair of the Board of Audit and Inspection, the Minister of Education, the Minister of the Interior and Safety, and the Governor (including the Superintendent of the Provincial Office of Education, if the audit and inspection relates to education or art and science) within 2 weeks from the date the plan is formulated. |
| (5) | The Audit and Inspection Committee may request the following measures to be taken, if necessary for autonomous audit and inspection; in such cases, the request shall be limited to the minimum extent necessary for such autonomous audit and inspection, and persons in receipt of such request shall comply therewith, unless there is good cause: |
| 1. | An agency subject to audit and inspection or a person who belongs to the agency: To appear or answer questions, to submit relevant documents, to seal articles, etc., to investigate data entered in a computerized information system, etc.; |
| 2. | An agency related to audit and inspection other than that under subparagraph 1, or a person who belongs to such agency: To appear or answer questions and to submit relevant documents. |
| (6) | When any affairs that require expertise or practical experience are subject to audit and inspection, the Audit and Inspection Committee may request a public official in charge of audit and inspection in a central administrative agency, an employee of Gangwon Self-Governing Province, or an external institution, such as an accounting firm or research institute, or an expert to participate in the investigation, confirmation, and analysis of the relevant matters. |
| Article 25 (Follow-up measures regarding findings of autonomous audit and inspection) |
| (1) | Except in special circumstances, the Audit and Inspection Committee shall report the findings of autonomous audit and inspection to the Governor within 60 days after completion of such autonomous audit and inspection; provided, the findings of autonomous audit and inspection regarding education or art and science shall be notified to the Superintendent of the Provincial Office of Education. |
| (2) | The findings of autonomous audit and inspection reported or notified under paragraph (1) shall include a compensation order, disciplinary action, reprimand, rectification, caution, improvement, recommendation, criminal charge, or any other similar measures. |
| (3) | Where measures to be taken based on the findings of autonomous audit and inspection reported or notified under paragraph (1) falls within the scope of authority of the head of another agency, the Governor or the Superintendent of the Provincial Office of Education shall notify the head of the competent agency of the relevant facts. |
| Article 26 (Suspension of prescription of grounds for disciplinary action and reprimand) |
| (1) | Upon commencing or closing any investigation into a specific case, the Audit and Inspection Committee shall notify the Governor (including the Superintendent of the Provincial Office of Education if the case relates to education or art and science; hereafter in this Article the same shall apply) and the head of the agency or department subject to audit and inspection within 10 days. |
| (2) | The Governor shall not carry on proceedings for disciplinary measures or reprimand further from the date on which he or she is notified by the Audit and Inspection Committee of the commencement of an investigation into a specific case under paragraph (1). |
| (3) | Where the prescriptive period for the grounds for disciplinary measures or reprimand expires or the remaining prescriptive period is less than 1 month due to the interruption of proceedings for the disciplinary measures or reprimand pursuant to paragraph (2), the prescriptive period shall be deemed to expire 1 month after the date on which the closing of the investigation is notified under paragraph (1). |
| Article 27 (Confidentiality and guarantee of status) |
| (1) | Non-public official members of the Audit and Inspection Committee and non-public officials who participate in audit and inspection under Article 24 (6) shall not disclose any confidential information they have learned in the course of their duties, not only while in office but also after leaving office. |
| (2) | A member of the Audit and Inspection Committee shall not be dismissed or discharged against his or her will during the term of office, except in any of the following cases: |
| 1. | Where he or she is unable to perform his or her duties due to a physical or mental disability; |
| 2. | Where he or she falls under any subparagraph of Article 31 of the Local Public Officials Act; |
| 3. | Where he or she is elected as a member of the National Assembly, the head of a local government, or a local council member; |
| 4. | Where he or she is appointed as a public official or an executive officer or employee of an agency subject to audit and inspection by the Audit and Inspection Committee; |
| 5. | Where he or she participates in any political campaign in violation of Article 28. |
| (3) | Where a member of the Audit and Inspection Committee falls under subparagraph 1 of paragraph (2), he or she shall be dismissed or discharged by the Governor upon resolution of at least 2/3 of the incumbent members of the Audit and Inspection Committee; provided, in the case of the chairperson of the Audit and Inspection Committee, the consent of the Provincial Council shall be obtained. |
| Article 28 (Prohibition of political campaign) |
Non-public official members of the Audit and Inspection Committee shall not participate in political campaigns under Article 57 of the Local Public Officials Act and shall be deemed public officials in application of Article 82 of the Local Public Officials Act.
PART III DEVELOPMENT OF FUTURE INDUSTRIAL GLOBAL CITY AND CREATION OF FOUNDATION THEREFOR
CHAPTER I FUTURE INDUSTRY GLOBAL CITY DEVELOPMENT PLAN
| Article 29 (Establishment of comprehensive plan) |
| (1) | The Governor shall formulate a comprehensive plan for the development of a future industry global city, including the following matters (hereinafter referred to as "comprehensive plan"): |
| 1. | Matters related to the direction for the long-term development of Gangwon Self-Governing Province and basic policies to develop it into a future industry global city; |
| 2. | Matters related to the promotion of regional industries, such as the high-tech knowledge industry, logistics industry, and financial industry; |
| 3. | Matters related to social infrastructure facilities, such as ports and information and communications; |
| 4. | Matters related to the promotion of education and the training of talents; |
| 5. | Matters related to international exchanges, the creation of a foundation for peace, and exchanges and cooperation between the two Koreas; |
| 6. | Matters related to the promotion of the tourism industry and the use, development and conservation of tourism resources; |
| 7. | Matters related to the conservation of local culture and the promotion of culture and arts; |
| 8. | Matters related to the promotion of agriculture, forestry, livestock farming, and fisheries; |
| 9. | Matters related to the conservation of natural ecology, life and the environment, and the prevention of environmental pollution; |
| 10. | Matters related to the use, development and conservation of land, water and other natural resources; |
| 11. | Matters related to the use, development and conservation of the ocean; |
| 12. | Matters related to medical care, public health and social welfare; |
| 13. | Matters related to the development of the local community and the improvement of the living environment; |
| 14. | Matters related to the development of water resources, electric power and other energy; |
| 15. | Matters related to the creation of a base for regional informatization and the promotion thereof; |
| 16. | Matters related to the procurement of investment resources necessary for various development projects, etc. and the formulation of annual investment plans; |
| 17. | Matters related to the installation of metropolitan facilities, etc.; |
| 18. | Other matters deemed necessary by the Governor to promote matters under items 1 through 17. |
| (2) | The Governor who intends to formulate a comprehensive plan shall hold a hearing thereon, and shall have the Deliberative Committee on Comprehensive Plans established under Article 31 (1) deliberate on it. |
| (3) | A comprehensive plan shall take full consideration of other plans under other statutes or regulations that affect Gangwon Self-Governing Province, and an attempt to create harmony and balance between the two shall be made. |
| (4) | Matters necessary for the procedures and methods for formulating comprehensive plans shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 30 (Finalization of comprehensive plan) |
| (1) | The Governor shall obtain the consent of the Provincial Council to formulate a comprehensive plan. |
| (2) | The Governor shall obtain the consent of the Provincial Council to modify or abolish a comprehensive plan; provided, minor matters prescribed by Presidential Decree may be modified, following deliberation by the Deliberative Committee on Comprehensive Plans under Article 31 (1). |
| (3) | When modifying or abolishing a comprehensive plan, the Governor shall propose measures to prevent the relevant residents from sustaining property loss. |
| (4) | The Governor shall publicly notify a comprehensive plan formulated, modified or abolished under paragraphs (1) and (2), as prescribed by Presidential Decree, and shall notify the Supporting Committee and the Superintendent of the Provincial Office of Education thereof. |
| Article 31 (Deliberative committee on comprehensive plans for future industry global city) |
| (1) | A Deliberative Committee on Comprehensive Plans for Future Industry Global City (hereinafter referred to as the "Deliberative Committee on Comprehensive Plans") shall be established under Gangwon Self-Governing Province to deliberate on the following: |
| 1. | Matters related to objectives, guidelines, and criteria necessary for formulating a comprehensive plan; |
| 2. | Matters related to the extensive adjustment of a comprehensive plan; |
| 3. | Matters related to the reflection of residents' opinion in a comprehensive plan and participation therein; |
| 4. | Matters related to the return of development gains to the community; |
| 5. | Matters related to the evaluation of a comprehensive plan; |
| 6. | Matters related to the designation, modification, and cancellation of forest use promotion districts under Article 35; |
| 7. | Matters related to the designation, modification, and cancellation of rural revitalization districts under Article 49; |
| 8. | Other matters prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (2) | The Deliberative Committee on Comprehensive Plans shall be composed of up to 23 members, including 1 chairperson and 2 vice chairpersons, and the members shall be divided into ex officio members and commissioned members. |
| (3) | The chairperson of the Deliberative Committee on Comprehensive Plans shall be the Governor, and the vice chairpersons shall be the Vice Governor designated by the Governor and 1 person elected by the Deliberative Committee on Comprehensive Plans. |
| (4) | The ex officio members of the Deliberative Committee on Comprehensive Plans shall be the following persons, and the commissioned members shall be appointed or commissioned by the Governor as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance: |
| 1. | A deputy superintendent of education appointed as a national public official under the control of the provincial superintendent of education under Article 30 (1) of the Local Education Autonomy Act; |
| 2. | A member of the Senior Executive Service of the Korea Forest Service. |
| (5) | Except as provided in paragraphs (1) through (4), matters necessary for the composition, operation, etc. of the Deliberative Committee on Comprehensive Plans shall be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
CHAPTER II ESTABLISHMENT OF FOUNDATION FOR FUTURE INDUSTRY GLOBAL CITY
SECTION 1 Development of Advanced Science and Technology, and Creation of Industrial Base
| Article 32 (Special cases concerning designation of special research and development zones) |
| (1) | The Minister of Science and ICT may, upon receipt of a request from the Governor, designate a special research and development zone in Gangwon Self-Governing Province pursuant to Article 4 (5) of the Special Act on Promotion of Special Research and Development Zones, to facilitate the research and development of universities, research institutes, and enterprises in Gangwon Self-Governing Province, to promote mutual cooperation, and to support the commercialization of the outcomes of research and development and the creation of new startups therein. |
| (2) | Notwithstanding Article 4 (2) and (6) of the Special Act on Promotion of Special Research and Development Zones, where a special research and development zone is designated in Gangwon Self-Governing Province pursuant to paragraph (1), the requirements for designation may be otherwise prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 33 (Establishment and management of Gangwon High-Tech Science and Technology Complex) |
| (1) | The Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport may establish the Gangwon High-Tech Science and Technology Complex, which is a national industrial complex under Article 6 of the Industrial Sites and Development Act (hereinafter referred to as "science and technology complex") to develop the high-tech knowledge industry, promote research in the related technologies, train professional human resources, and achieve similar objectives. |
| (2) | Procedures to designate and develop a national industrial complex under the Industrial Sites and Development Act shall apply to the establishment of a science and technology complex. |
| (3) | Where the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport designates a science and technology complex, deliberation by the Supporting Committee shall be completed. In such cases, deliberation by the Supporting Committee shall be deemed deliberation by the Committee for Deliberation on Industrial Location Policy under Article (3) of the Industrial Sites and Development Act. |
| (4) | Procedures to manage industrial complexes under the Industrial Cluster Development and Factory Establishment Act shall apply to the management of a science and technology complex. |
| (5) | The Governor may request that the Minister of Trade and Industry designate a science and technology complex with strategic technology under Article 2 of the Act on Special Measures for Strengthening the Competitiveness of, and Protecting National High-Tech Strategic Industries as a specialized complex for national high-tech strategic industry under that Act. In such cases, the Minister of Trade and Industry may designate the science and technology complex as a specialized complex for national high-tech strategic industry after deliberation and resolution by the National High-Tech Strategic Industry Committee under Article 9 of that Act. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 34 (Special cases concerning requests for designation of national industrial complexes) |
| (1) | Notwithstanding Article 6 (2) of the Industrial Sites and Development Act, if deemed necessary by the Governor, he or she may request that the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport designate the relevant area as a national industrial complex. In such cases, the Governor shall consult in advance with the heads of the relevant administrative agencies. |
| (2) | The Industrial Sites and Development Act shall apply to methods, procedures, etc. to designate a national industrial complex under paragraph (1). |
SECTION 2 Designation and Operation of Forest Use Promotion Districts
| Article 35 (Designation of forest use promotion districts) |
| (1) | In order to promote the use of forests and spur private investment necessary therefor, the Governor may designate an area that meets the following requirements as a forest use promotion district (hereinafter referred to as "promotion district"): |
| 1. | The area of at least 30,000 square meters shall be suitable for the purpose of designation, the use plan, and the surrounding conditions; |
| 2. | The forest resources and landscape of the area shall have sufficient potential as forest use promotion resources; |
| 3. | The area shall meet public service purposes through contributions to regional development, such as the revitalization of the local economy and the development of underdeveloped areas; |
| 4. | The development of the area shall be implemented in an environmentally and ecologically sustainable manner; |
| 5. | The area shall be at no risk of causing disasters, such as landslides or soil runoffs; |
| 6. | The investment plan for the forest use promotion project shall be feasible; |
| 7. | Other requirements prescribed by Provincial Ordinance shall be met. |
| (2) | Where the Governor intends to designate a promotion district, he or she shall establish a plan to develop the promotion district under Article 36 and then hold consultations (including a consultation on strategic environmental impact assessment under Article 16 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act) with the heads of the relevant administrative agencies (including the head of the Korea Forest Service; hereafter the same shall apply in paragraph (3)) and finally undergo deliberation thereon by the Deliberative Committee on Comprehensive Plans. |
| (3) | Where the Governor designates a promotion district, he or she shall publicly notify the details in an official report as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance and notify the head of the relevant administrative agency thereof. In such cases, Article 8 of the Framework Act on the Regulation of Land Use shall apply to the public notification of topographic maps. |
| (4) | The Governor shall make the details under paragraph (3) available for public inspection for at least 14 days. |
| (5) | Paragraphs (2) through (4) shall apply to the modification of the location, boundary, area, etc. of a promotion district; provided, this shall not apply to the modification of minor matters prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (6) | The State and local governments shall minimize reckless development in promotion districts, ensure harmony and balance in the conservation and use of mountainous and forest areas, and develop necessary policies to ensure that the purpose of designation of promotion districts is achieved. |
| (7) | Where necessary for inspecting whether a project is being implemented in accordance with the details publicly notified under paragraph (3), the Governor may request the project implementer designated under Article 38 submit the relevant data. |
| (8) | The Governor may request that the heads of the relevant central administrative agencies, government-funded institutions, or government-invested institutions provide data and statistics necessary for the efficient management of promotion districts, the analysis, etc. of impacts on the regional economy. |
| (9) | Where a promotion district does not meet the requirements under each subparagraph of paragraph (1), the Governor may cancel the designation through deliberation by the Deliberative Committee on Comprehensive Plans. |
| (10) | Matters necessary for the procedures, methods, management, etc. of the designation, modification, or cancellation of promotion districts shall be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| Article 36 (Promotion district development plan) |
| (1) | The Governor shall establish a plan to develop a promotion district (hereinafter referred to as "promotion district development plan"). |
| (2) | The promotion district development plan shall include the following matters: |
| 1. | Name, location and area of the promotion district; |
| 2. | Method and period of the implementation of the forest use promotion project; |
| 3. | Purpose and direction of the development of the promotion district; |
| 4. | Plans for land use and traffic management; |
| 5. | Plans to install major infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, sewerage, and electricity (including cost payment plans); |
| 6. | Ecology, landscape and environmental conservation plans and pollution prevention plans; |
| 7. | Safety and disaster measures and rescue and emergency plans; |
| 8. | Cost payment plans for arterial facilities installed in areas outside the promotion district; |
| 9. | Matters related to the use, supply, and disposal of developed land, etc.; |
| 10. | Compensation plans (including relocation plans); |
| 11. | Detailed list of land, etc. subject to expropriation or use; |
| 12. | Financing and annual investment plans; |
| 13. | Other matters prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (3) | When establishing a promotion district development plan, the Governor shall listen to the opinions of the head of the competent Si/Gun, local residents, and experts in advance, as prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 37 (Effects of designation of promotion districts) |
| (1) | Where a promotion district is designated and public notified, matters discussed in advance with the heads of the relevant administrative agencies in relation to the following designation, establishment, modification and determination, etc. shall be deemed to have been designated, established, modified, determined, etc. in accordance with the details publicly notified under Article 35 (3) on the date of such public notification: |
| 1. | Designation of an urban development zone under Article 3 of the Urban Development Act and formulation of an urban development project plan under Article 4 of that Act; |
| 2. | Designation of a housing site development zone under Article 3 of the Housing Site Development Promotion Act, and formulation of a housing site development plan under Article 8 of that Act; |
| 3. | Designation of a national industrial complex, a general industrial complex, or an urban high-tech industrial complex under Article 6, 7, or 7-2 of the Industrial Sites and Development Act (limited to designation thereof to develop environment-friendly and high-tech industries); |
| 4. | Designation of a tourist destination or a tourism complex under Article 52 of the Tourism Promotion Act; |
| 5. | Modification of a master plan for reclamation under Articles 23 and 27 of the Public Waters Management and Reclamation Act; |
| 6. | Determination of river areas under Article 10 of the River Act, and modification of a basic river plan under Article 25 of that Act (limited to local rivers under the Rivers Act); |
| 7. | Modification of a plan for waterworks installation and management under Article 5 of the Water Supply and Waterworks Installation Act; |
| 8. | Modification of a framework plan for sewerage maintenance under Articles 5 and 6 of the Sewerage Act; |
| 9. | Designation of a zone subject to ecologically sustainable diversion of a mountainous district under Article 11 of the Special Act on Management of Mountainous Districts North of the Civilian Control Line; in such cases, a promotion zone subject to the designation of a zone subject to ecologically sustainable diversion of a mountainous district shall meet the standards for designation of a zone subject to ecologically sustainable diversion of a mountainous district under Article 10 of that Act (excluding standards for areas under paragraph (1) of that Article). |
| (2) | Except as provided in paragraph (1), Articles 24 through 26 of the Framework Act on Administration shall apply mutatis mutandis to standards for and effects of deemed designation, etc. |
| Article 38 (Designation of implementer for forest use promotion project) |
| (1) | The Governor shall designate an implementer for a forest use promotion project (hereinafter referred to as "project implementer"; hereinafter the same shall apply) from among the following persons in accordance with the standards and procedures prescribed by Provincial Ordinance: |
| 2. | A public institution prescribed by Presidential Decree from among public institutions established under Article 4 of the Act on Management of Public Institutions; |
| 3. | A local government-invested public corporation established under the Local Public Enterprises Act; |
| 4. | A private investor who meets the qualifications prescribed by Provincial Ordinance, such as capital; |
| 5. | A corporation established through investment by at least 2 persons falling under subparagraphs 1 through 4 for the purpose of implementing a forest use promotion project, and which meets the requirements prescribed by Provincial Ordinance; |
| 6. | An association established by landowners within the promotion district for the forest use promotion project. |
| (2) | Where the Governor intends to designate a project implementer pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall take into consideration the following matters: |
| 1. | Financial soundness and financing ability; |
| 2. | Experience in implementing development projects similar to forest use promotion projects; |
| 3. | Other matters publicly notified by the Governor as deemed necessary for the smooth implementation of the forest use promotion project. |
| (3) | Where the Governor designates a project implementer pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall publicly notify the details in an official report. |
| Article 39 (Cancellation of designation of project implementer and designation of substitute implementer) |
| (1) | The Governor may cancel the designation of a project implementer in any of the following cases; provided, in cases falling under subparagraph 1, such designation shall be cancelled: |
| 1. | Where designation or approval under this Act has been obtained by fraud or other improper means; |
| 2. | Where the project implementer has failed to commence the construction or project within 1 year after receiving approval of the implementation plan under Article 40 (1); |
| 3. | Where the approval of the implementation plan under Article 40 (1) is cancelled; |
| 4. | Where the project implementer fails to file an application for approval of the implementation plan by the application deadline under Article 40 (5); |
| 5. | Where it is deemed difficult to achieve the purpose of the forest use promotion project due to natural disasters, bankruptcy of the project implementer, or other reasons prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (2) | Where the Governor cancels the designation of a project implementer pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she shall give public notice thereof. |
| (3) | Where the Governor cancels the designation of a project implementer pursuant to paragraph (1), he or she may designate a new project implementer as a substitute. In such cases, Article 38 shall apply mutatis mutandis to the designation of a new project implementer as a substitute. |
| (4) | A project implementer designated as a substitute pursuant to paragraph (3) shall succeed to the status of the previous project implementer with respect to approval of the implementation plan. |
| Article 40 (Formulation and approval of implementation plan) |
| (1) | A project implementer shall prepare an implementation plan and then obtain approval from the Governor as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. The same shall also apply where he or she intends to modify the approved implementation plan (excluding the modification of minor matters prescribed by Provincial Ordinance). |
| (2) | An implementation plan shall include the following: |
| 1. | Name, location, and area of a forest use promotion project; |
| 2. | Purpose and direction of the implementation of a forest use promotion project; |
| 3. | A land acquisition and use plan; |
| 4. | Matters related to a district-unit plan prepared in accordance with Article 52 of the National Land Planning and Utilization Act; |
| 5. | A planned floor plan and overview design documents; |
| 6. | A phased creation plan (applicable only where a phased implementation of the development project is required due to business conditions); |
| 7. | Other matters prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (3) | Where the Governor intends to approve an implementation plan or approve the modification thereof (excluding the modification of minor matters prescribed by Provincial Ordinance), he or she shall consult with the heads of the relevant administrative agencies and listen to the opinions of residents as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (4) | Where the Governor has approved an implementation plan or has approved the modification thereof, he or she shall publicly notify it in an official report as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance and then send a copy of the relevant document to the head of the competent Si/Gun. In such cases, the head of the competent Si/Gun, in receipt of a copy of the relevant document, shall make the details available for public inspection for at least 14 days. |
| (5) | An application for approval under the former part of paragraph (1) shall be filed within 2 years from the date of designation as a project implementer. |
| Article 41 (Deemed authorization and permission) |
| (1) | Where the Governor has approved an implementation plan or has approved the modification thereof pursuant to Article 40 (1), matters on which he or she has consulted with the head of the relevant administrative agency under paragraph (3) with regard to the following approval, permission, authorization, designation, determination, reporting, consultation, cancellation, etc. (hereinafter referred to as "authorization, permission, etc.") shall be deemed to have obtained the relevant authorization, permission, etc., and where the approval of an implementation plan or the approval of the modification thereof is publicly notified, the relevant authorization, permission, etc. shall be deemed to have been publicly notified or announced: |
| 1. | Building permission under Article 11 of the Building Act, notification of building construction under Article 14 of that Act, change to matters permitted and reported under Article 16 of that Act, permission and reporting on temporary buildings under Article 20 of that Act, and building consultation under Article 29 of that Act; |
| 2. | Permission to extract aggregate under Article 22 of the Aggregate Extraction Act; |
| 3. | Change or repeal of use of public property under Article 11 of the Public Property and Commodity Management Act and permission for use and profit under Article 20 of that Act; |
| 4. | Approval of a tourist accommodation business plan under Article 15 (1) of the Tourism Promotion Act, permission, cancellation or reporting, etc. under each subparagraph of Article 16 (1) of that Act, and approval of a plan to develop a tourist destination or a tourism complex under Article 54 of that Act; |
| 5. | Decision on an urban/Gun management plan under Article 30 of the National Land Planning and Utilization Act (only applicable to the infrastructures prescribed by Presidential Decree among the planning under subparagraph 4 (c) of Article 2 of that Act and the district unit planning zone and district unit planning under Article 51 (3) of that Act), approval of the topographic drawing under Article 32 (2) of that Act, decision on an urban/Gun management plan for the areas, other than the urban area, among the specific-use areas under Article 36 (1) of that Act, designation of a development promotion district under Article 37 (1) 7 of that Act, permission to engage in development acts under Article 56 of that Act, designation of an implementer of an urban/Gun planning facility project under Article 86 of that Act, and authorization of an implementation plan under Article 88 of that Act; |
| 6. | Cancellation of a dairy zone designated under Article 4 (1) of the Dairy Promotion Act; |
| 7. | Cancellation of an agricultural promotion area or a specific-use area under Article 31 of the Farmland Act, permission to divert farmland and consultation under Article 34 of that Act, reports on diversion of farmland under Article 35 of that Act, and permission and consultation to temporarily use farmland for other purposes under Article 36 of that Act, and approval of alteration of use under Article 40 of that Act; |
| 8. | Permission for and reporting on installation of emission facilities under Article 23 of the Clean Air Conservation Act, Article 33 of the Water Environment Conservation Act, and Article 8 of the Noise and Vibration Control Act; |
| 9. | Permission to perform road works by a person other than the road management authority under Article 36 of the Road Act, permission to occupy and use a road under Article 61 of that Act, and consultation with or approval of the road management authority under Article 107 of that Act; |
| 10. | Advance consultation for development activities under Article 8 of the Baekdu-Daegan Protection Act; |
| 11. | Permission for lumbering, etc. under Article 14 of the Erosion Control Work Act and cancellation of designation of land for erosion control under Article 20 of that Act; |
| 12. | Permission for and reporting on activities within forest conservation zones under Article 9 of the Forest Protection Act and cancellation of designation of forest conservation zones under Article 11 of that Act; |
| 13. | Permission for and reporting on felling standing timber, etc. under Article 36 (1) and (5) of the Creation and Management of Forest Resources Act; |
| 14. | Permission for conversion of mountainous districts under Article 14 of the Mountainous Districts Management Act, reporting on conversion of mountainous districts under Article 15 of that Act, permission for and reporting on temporary use of mountainous districts under Article 15-2 of that Act, and permission for collecting earth or stone under Article 25 of that Act; |
| 15. | Formulation of action plans for maintaining small rivers under Article 8 of the Small River Maintenance Act, permission for implementation of small river works under Article 10 of that Act, and permission for or reporting on occupancy and use of small rivers, etc. under Article 14 of that Act; |
| 16. | Authorization for general waterworks business and industrial waterworks business under Articles 17 and 49 of the Water Supply and Waterworks Installation Act and authorization for private-use waterworks under Article 52 of that Act; |
| 17. | Consultation on energy use plans under Article 10 of the Energy Use Rationalization Act; |
| 18. | Revision or cancellation of designation of forestry promotion zones under Article 20 of the Forestry and Mountain Villages Development Promotion Act; |
| 19. | Permission for reburial under Article 27 (1) of the Act on Funeral Services; |
| 20. | Authorization for or reporting on plans for works for establishing electric installations for private use under Article 8 of the Electrical Safety Management Act; |
| 21. | Consultation on appropriateness of integrated energy supply under Article 4 of the Integrated Energy Supply Act; |
| 22. | Approval of business plans under Article 12 of the Installation and Utilization of Sports Facilities Act; |
| 23. | Permission to convert the use of grassland under Article 23 of the Grassland Act; |
| 24. | Approval of or reporting on the installation of waste treatment facilities under Article 29 (2) of the Wastes Control Act; |
| 25. | Authorization for the installation of a public sewerage system under Article 11 of the Sewage Act, permission to execute public sewerage system works under Article 16 of that Act, and permission to occupy and use a public sewerage system under Article 24 of that Act; |
| 26. | Permission to execute river works under Article 30 of the River Act, permission to occupy and use rivers under Article 33 of that Act, and permission to use river water under Article 50 of that Act. |
| (2) | A project implementer who intends to obtain deemed authorization, permission, etc. under paragraph (1) shall submit the relevant documents prescribed by the relevant statutes when applying for approval of the implementation plan or approval of the modification thereof. |
| (3) | Where the Governor intends to approve an implementation plan or approve the modification thereof, he or she shall consult in advance with the head of the relevant administrative agency on any matter falling under paragraph (1), and where the Governor has approved the implementation plan or approved the modification thereof, he or she shall notify the details to the head of the relevant administrative agency without delay. |
| (4) | Where the Governor intends to approve an implementation plan or approve the modification thereof, he or she may hold a consultative council on deemed authorization and permission in which the relevant administrative agencies participate to handle authorization, permission, etc. |
| (5) | The composition, function, operation of a consultative council on deemed authorization and permission under paragraph (4) and other necessary matters shall be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (6) | Where authorization, permission, etc. under other statutes are deemed to have been granted under paragraph (1), license tax, fees, etc. imposed under the relevant statutes shall be exempted. |
| (7) | Except as provided in paragraphs (1) through (5), Articles 24 through 26 of the Framework Act on Administration shall apply mutatis mutandis to standards for and effects of deemed authorization, permission, etc. |
| Article 42 (Special cases concerning application of the Mountainous District Management Act within promotion district) |
| (1) | Notwithstanding Articles 12 and 18 of the Management of Mountainous Districts Act, with regard to a forest use promotion project, restrictions on activities in conserved mountainous districts, criteria for permission for conversion of mountainous districts regarding the slope and elevation of a mountainous district may be otherwise prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (2) | Notwithstanding Article 7 (2) of the Baekdu-Daegan Protection Act, a project implementer may engage in any of the following activities necessary for implementing a forest use promotion project in a buffer zone within a promotion district: |
| 1. | Construction and management of mountain trails or hiking trails under Article 7 (1) 4-2 of the Baekdu-Daegan Protection Act (including rest areas, ecological bridges, and observation facilities); |
| 2. | Establishment of arboretums, natural recreation forests, healing woods, and other forest facilities prescribed by Presidential Decree under Article 7 (2) 2 of the Baekdu-Daegan Protection Act; |
| 3. | Construction of minimum park facilities and park projects permitted within a nature conservation district in a park under Article 18 (2) 1 (b) of the Natural Parks Act; |
| 4. | Construction of tramways under Article 2 of the Tramway Transportation Act. |
| (3) | Notwithstanding Articles 21 and 22 of the Special Act on Management of Mountainous Districts North of the Civilian Control Line, restrictions on activities in conserved mountainous districts, criteria for permission for conversion of mountainous districts regarding the slope and elevation of a mountainous district in a promotion district may be otherwise prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| (4) | Matters to be prescribed by Presidential Decree under the proviso, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 18 (2) of the Natural Parks Act, the main clause and proviso, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 23 (1), and the former and latter parts of Article 23 (4) of that Act, may be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance; provided, the scope of matters to be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance shall be limited to matters regarding Do and Gun parks within a promotion district. |
| (5) | Notwithstanding Article 11 (1) 1 of the Forest Protection Act, where the Governor intends to use a forest conservation zone in a promotion district as a site for any of the following facilities, he or she may fully or partially cancel the designation thereof: |
| 1. | Facilities necessary for natural recreation forests under Article 14 (2) and (3) of the Forestry Culture and Recreation Act; |
| 2. | Facilities necessary for a forest bath, healing forest, camping site or leisure sports facilities in a forest under Article 20 of the Forestry Culture and Recreation Act; |
| 3. | Facilities necessary for an arboretum under Article 7 of the Act on the Creation and Furtherance of Arboretums and Gardens. |
| (6) | Forest conservation zones that may be cancelled by the Governor under paragraph (5) shall be no State forests under the jurisdiction of the Korea Forest Service, and shall be limited to conservation zones for the living environment, conservation zones for scenic views, conservation zones for development of water resources, and conservation zones for disaster prevention under Article 7 (1) 1 through 4 of the Forest Protection Act. |
| Article 43 (Support for infrastructure installation) |
| (1) | The State and Gangwon Self-Governing Province may directly install facilities prescribed by Presidential Decree, such as roads, or subsidize expenses incurred therein in order to smoothly implement forest use promotion projects and attract investment. |
| (2) | Matters necessary for the target, scope, etc. of support by Gangwon Self-Governing Province under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 44 (Completion inspection) |
| (1) | Where a project implementer has completed all or part of a forest use promotion project (limited to where an implementation plan including a phased creation plan under Article 40 (2) 6 is approved), he or she shall prepare a project completion report and receive a completion inspection from the Governor, as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (2) | Upon receipt of a project completion report under paragraph (1), the Governor shall conduct a completion inspection without delay. In such cases, if necessary for the efficient completion inspection, the Governor may request that the relevant administrative agencies, public institutions, research institutes, other specialized institutions, etc. conduct such completion inspection. |
| (3) | A designating authority may request that the head of a State agency, a local government, a public institution, etc. who is to acquire or manage the public facilities included in the project completion report participate in a completion inspection, and the person in receipt of such request shall comply therewith, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. |
| (4) | Where the Governor deems that a forest utilization promotion project is completed based on the results of the completion inspection under paragraph (2), he or she shall issue a certificate of completion inspection to the project implementer and publicly announce the completion of the project, and where the project is not completed in accordance with the implementation plan, he or she shall order the project implementer to take necessary measures, such as supplementary construction, without delay. |
| (5) | For a completion inspection under paragraph (2), matters on which the Governor has consulted with the head of the relevant administrative agency pursuant to paragraph (7) with respect to the completion inspection, completion authorization, etc. following the authorization, permission, etc. deemed granted under Article 41 shall be deemed to have undergone such completion inspection, completion authorization, etc. |
| (6) | Where a project implementer (excluding where a project implementer is the Governor) intends to receive completion inspection, completion authorization, etc. deemed granted under paragraph (5), he or she shall submit the relevant documents prescribed by the relevant statutes when applying for completion inspection under paragraph (1). |
| (7) | Where the Governor conducts a completion inspection under paragraph (2), which contains any matter falling under the completion inspection, completion authorization, etc. whose authorization, permission, etc. is deemed granted under Article 41, he or she shall consult with the head of the relevant administrative agency in advance. |
| (8) | No person shall use any developed land or installed facilities before a completion inspection under paragraph (1) is conducted. |
CHAPTER III CREATION OF EDUCATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
| Article 45 (Special cases concerning operation of autonomous schools) |
| (1) | National, public, and private elementary and secondary schools located in Gangwon Self-Governing Province which are designated by the Superintendent of the Provincial Office of Education may operate a school to which Articles 8, 19 (4), 21 (1), 22 (2), 23 (3), 24, 26 (1), 29, 31, 39, 42, and 46 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act do not apply (hereinafter referred to as "autonomous school"). |
| (2) | A person who has completed the entire curriculum at an autonomous school equivalent to an elementary school, middle school, or high school pursuant to Article 2 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act shall be deemed to have the same level of academic ability as a person who has graduated from an elementary school, middle school, or high school, respectively. |
| (3) | Teachers and students of autonomous schools shall not be disadvantaged for working or studying at autonomous schools. |
| Article 46 (Special cases concerning transfer of students to schools in agricultural and fishing villages) |
| (1) | The Governor and the Superintendent of the Provincial Office of Education shall endeavor to encourage more students to study in agricultural and fishing villages (referring to students from areas outside Gangwon Self-Governing Province who transfer to schools in agricultural and fishing villages prescribed by Presidential Decree in order to experience educational activities and life therein; hereafter the same shall apply in this Article). |
| (2) | The Governor, the Superintendent of the Provincial Office of Education, and the head of a Si/Gun may provide administrative and financial support to encourage more students to study at various levels of schools in agricultural and fishing villages. |
| (3) | Matters necessary for operating the transfer of students to schools in agricultural and fishing villages under paragraphs (1) and (2) shall be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| Article 47 (Special cases concerning early childhood education) |
| (1) | The authority of the Minister of Education under Article 13 (3) of the Early Childhood Education Act shall become the inherent authority of the Provincial Superintendent of Education. |
| (2) | Matters to be prescribed by Presidential Decree or Decree of the Ministry of Education under Articles 5 (3), 6 (2), 8 (1) and (4), 10 (2), 12 (3), 16 (2), 17 (4), 19 (4) (limited to matters regarding evaluation under Article 19 (1)), 23 (2), 24 (1) and (5) (limited to matters regarding support methods under Article 24 (2)), the former part, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 25 (1), Articles 25 (2) and (5), 26 (3), 27, and 30 (2) of the Early Childhood Education Act, may be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| Article 48 (Special cases concerning elementary and secondary education) |
| (1) | Matters to be prescribed by Presidential Decree or Decree of the Ministry of Education under Articles 4 (1), 13 (4), 14 (2), 18-2 (4), 18-3 (2), 27 (3), 30 (3), 31 (3), 33 (2), 34, 34-2 (4), 43 (2), 47 (2), 60 (3), 60-2 (3), 60-3 (3), and 63 (3) and (5) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, may be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (2) | Notwithstanding Articles 43 and 47 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, admission qualifications for foreign schools under Article 60-2 of that Act may be prescribed separately by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (3) | Matters to be prescribed by Presidential Decree or determined by the Minister of Education under Article 6 (1) and Article 7 (1) of the Framework Act on the Promotion of Digital-Based Distance Education may be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
PART IV INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF AUTONOMY AND DECENTRALIZATION
CHAPTER I PROMOTION OF AGRICULTURE, FOOD INDUSTRY AND FORESTRY
| Article 49 (Designation of rural revitalization district) |
| (1) | In order to revitalize the rural community and spur private investment necessary therefor, the Governor may designate a rural revitalization district (hereinafter referred to as "revitalization district"), in consideration of the following matters: |
| 1. | The area shall require rural revitalization and spatial regeneration in response to population decline, need for balanced regional development, etc.; |
| 2. | The area shall require improved transportation access, such as roads and railways and shall hold potential for attracting private investment; |
| 3. | The area shall meet public service purposes through contributions to regional development, such as the revitalization of the local economy and the development of underdeveloped areas; |
| 4. | The area shall meet the requirements prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (2) | Where the Governor intends to designate a revitalization district, he or she shall first listen to the opinions of the head of the competent Si/Gun and local residents and undergo deliberation by the Deliberative Committee on Comprehensive Plan. |
| (3) | Where the Governor designates a revitalization district, he or she shall publicly notify the details in an official report as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance and then shall notify the head of the competent Si/Gun and the head of the relevant administrative agency thereof. |
| (4) | Paragraphs (2) and (3) shall also apply where the location, boundary, area, etc. of a revitalization district is modified; provided, this shall not apply where minor matters are modified as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (5) | Where it is deemed that the purpose of designation of a revitalization district has been achieved, the Governor may cancel the designation of the revitalization district through deliberation by the Deliberative Committee on Comprehensive Plan. |
| (6) | Matters necessary for procedures and methods for the designation, modification, or cancellation of revitalization districts, the management, etc. thereof shall be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| Article 50 (Special cases concerning designation of agricultural promotion areas) |
| (1) | Notwithstanding Articles 30 (1) and 31 (2) of the Farmland Act, the Governor may designate an agricultural promotion area, or modify or cancel the designation thereof without obtaining approval from the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. In such cases, the total area of the agricultural promotion area, the designation of which may be cancelled by the Governor, shall be limited to 40 million square meters, in consideration of the farmland reduction ratio of the agricultural promotion area, farming conditions, the ratio of the agricultural promotion area, etc. |
| (2) | The authority of the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs under Article 28 (2) 1 of the Farmland Act and the authority of the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs regarding consultation with the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport under Article 30 (3) of that Act shall become the Governor's inherent authority. |
| (3) | Matters to be prescribed by Presidential Decree under Articles 30 (4) and 31 (1) and (2) of the Farmland Act may be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (4) | Paragraphs (1) through (3) shall apply only to agricultural promotion areas within a revitalization district. |
| Article 51 (Special cases concerning permission for diversion of farmland) |
| (1) | The authority of the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs regarding permission for diversion of farmland (including permission for modification; hereafter the same shall apply in this Article) under Article 34 of the Farmland Act shall become the Governor's inherent authority. |
| (2) | Matters to be prescribed by Presidential Decree or Decree of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs under the former part, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 34 (1) of the Farmland Act, the main clause, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 35 (1), Article 35 (3), the main clause, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 36 (1), Article 36 (3) and (5), the subparagraphs of Article 37 (1), and the main clause, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 39 (1) , may be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (3) | Paragraphs (1) and (2) shall apply only to farmland of less than 400,000 square meters within the jurisdiction of a Si/Gun which is part of a population decline area in Gangwon Self-Governing Province under the Special Act on Support for Depopulation Regions, but which does not fall under an agricultural promotion area under Article 28 (1) of the Farmland Act. |
| Article 52 (Special cases concerning establishment and operation of farmland management committee) |
| (1) | Notwithstanding Article 37-3 of the Farmland Act, the Governor shall establish a Farmland Management Committee in Gangwon Self-Governing Province to provide advice on the following matters: |
| 1. | Matters regarding the formulation of policies on the use, conservation, etc. of farmland of Gangwon Self-Governing Province; |
| 2. | Matters regarding revitalization districts, agricultural promotion areas, permission for diversion of farmland, etc. under Articles 49 through 51; |
| 3. | Other matters deemed necessary by the Governor and submitted to the Committee. |
| (2) | Article 37-3 (2) through (4) of the Farmland Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to members of the Farmland Management Committee, the terms of office of the chairperson and members thereof under paragraph (1). In such cases, the "Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs" shall be construed as the "Governor". |
| (3) | Matters necessary for the composition and operation of the Farmland Management Committee under paragraph (1) shall be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| Article 53 (Duration of special cases) |
| (1) | Special cases under Articles 49 through 52 shall remain effective until 3 years elapse from the date of enforcement of this Act. |
| (2) | The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs shall evaluate the operational performance of the special cases under Articles 49 through 52 at least 3 months prior to the end of the duration under paragraph (1), and then shall notify the Governor of his or her opinion on the extension, abolishment, etc. of the duration, and the Governor shall take necessary measures based on the opinions notified. |
| (3) | The Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs may request that the Governor submit data necessary for evaluation under paragraph (2). In such cases, the Governor shall comply therewith, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. |
| (4) | Matters necessary for evaluation methods, procedures, etc. under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
| Article 54 (Support for supply of agricultural products, livestock products and marine products to military units in border areas) |
| (1) | The State may preferentially purchase agricultural products, livestock products, and fishery products (including minimally processed products) produced in the border areas of Gangwon Self-Governing Province (referring to the border areas defined in subparagraph 1 of Article 2 of the Special Act on Support for Border Area; hereafter the same shall apply in this Article) to supply them to military units. |
| (2) | The State may enter into a private contract to purchase agricultural products, livestock products, and marine products produced within the border areas of Gangwon Self-Governing Province to supply them to military units. |
| (3) | The State may enter into a private contract under paragraph (2) with a food support center pursuant to Article 23-6 (3) of the Framework Act on Agriculture, Rural Community and Food Industry. <Amended on Jul. 22, 2025> |
| (4) | The methods and procedures for entering into a private contract under paragraph (2) shall be governed by the relevant statutes or regulations, such as the Act on Contracts to which the State is a Party. |
| (5) | The State and local governments shall prioritize the welfare of military personnel and endeavor to ensure that high-quality agricultural products, livestock products, and marine products are supplied to military units in accordance with paragraphs (1) through (4). |
| Article 55 (Special cases concerning application of the Mountainous District Management Act) |
The authority of the Administrator of the Korea Forest Service under Articles 6 (limited to promotion districts), 14 (1) through (3) (excluding State forests under the jurisdiction of the Korea Forest Service), 15-2 (excluding State forests under the jurisdiction of the Korea Forest Service), 17 (1) and (2) (limited to matters concerning devolved authority), 20 (1), 21 (1) (limited to matters concerning devolved authority), 37 (1) through (4) (limited to matters concerning devolved authority), 38 (1) through (4) (limited to matters concerning devolved authority), 39 (2) and (3) (limited to matters concerning devolved authority), 40 (1) through (3) (limited to matters concerning devolved authority), 41 (limited to matters concerning devolved authority), 42 (1) and (2) (limited to matters concerning devolved authority), 43 (1) and (2) (limited to matters concerning devolved authority), 44 (1) and (2) (limited to matters concerning devolved authority), 47 (1) (limited to investigations into devolved authority), 48 (1) through (3) (compensation for loss caused by acts in relation to devolved authority), 49 (limited to hearings on devolved authority), 50 (limited to fees on devolved authority), and 57 (3) (limited to the imposition and collection of administrative fines on devolved authority) shall become the Governor's inherent authority.
| Article 56 (Special cases concerning deliberation by regional mountainous district management committee) |
Notwithstanding Article 22 (1) 1 of the Management of Mountainous Districts Act, the regional mountainous district management committee under Article 22 (2) of that Act may deliberate on the following matters in order to handle the business affairs devolved to the Governor pursuant to Articles 42 (5) and 55:
| 1. | Change of conserved mountainous districts or cancellation of designation thereof under Article 6 (4) of the Mountainous Districts Management Act; |
| 2. | Permission for temporary use of mountainous districts in which preserved mountainous areas of at least 500,000 square meters are incorporated pursuant to Article 15-2 (1) of the Mountainous Districts Management Act; |
| 3. | Cancellation of designation of forest conservation zones under Article 11 (3) of the Forest Protection Act. |
| Article 57 (Special cases concerning forest culture and recreation) |
The authority of the Administrator of the Korea Forest Service under Articles 13 (2) through (4), 14 (3), 16 (2) through (4), 19 (1) and (2) (limited to public forests or private forests designated as natural recreation forests) and 20 (4) of the Forestry Culture and Recreation Act, shall become the Governor‘s inherent authority; provided, the Governor shall notify the Administrator of the Korea Forest Service of the progress made in the designation of a natural recreation forest, and the approval of a plan to develop a natural recreation forest, a forest bath, etc. for the relevant year at least once a year.
| Article 58 (Special cases concerning designation of free trade zone) |
| (1) | Notwithstanding subparagraph 1 of Article 5 of the Act on Designation and Management of Free Trade Zones, if all of the following requirements are met, the Minister of Trade and Industry may designate a harbor and hinterland of Gangwon Self-Governing Province as a free trade zone, upon receipt of an application by the Governor. In such cases, if the Governor intends to file an application with the Minister of Trade and Industry, he or she shall consult with the head of the relevant administrative agency in advance: <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| 1. | Where it can handle more than 10 million tons of cargo per year and has regular international container ship or international cargo ship routes; |
| 2. | Where it has a dedicated wharf for container ships of at least 30,000 tons, or a general cargo wharf to handle at least 20,000 tons of cargo and container crane; |
| 3. | Among the port areas under subparagraph 4 of Article 2 of the Port Act, the area of the land area and its hinterland is at least 500,000 square meters, and the hinterland is adjacent to the relevant port or connected by a dedicated road, which enables free movements of goods to and from the port, and the port's logistics functions such as storage, packaging, mixing, repair, processing, etc. of cargo to be complemented. |
| (2) | The administrative authority under Article 8 of the Act on Designation and Management of Free Trade Zones shall perform the following affairs to ensure that the development and promotion of Gangwon Self-Governing Province Free Trade Zone contributes to national development and the improvement of the local economy: |
| 1. | Support for business activities of tenant companies and supporting companies; |
| 2. | Maintenance and management of public facilities; |
| 3. | Installation and operation of various support facilities; |
| 4. | Other affairs related to the management or operation of free trade zones. |
CHAPTER II SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT, INCLUDING CARBON NEUTRALITY
| Article 59 (Creation of carbon-neutral green self-governing province) |
| (1) | In order to transition to a carbon-neutral society and lead the way in realizing green growth, the State may create Gangwon Self-Governing Province as a key region for promoting carbon neutrality and green growth (hereafter referred to as "carbon-neutral green self-governing province" in this Article). |
| (2) | In order to create Gangwon Self-Governing Province as a carbon-neutral green self-governing province, the State may implement green growth projects such as various pilot projects and green technology industry and climate change projects in connection with national projects. |
| (3) | The State may provide administrative and financial support necessary for implementing a project for creating a carbon-neutral green self-governing province under paragraph (2). |
| Article 60 (Basic direction for conservation and management of natural environment) |
| (1) | Gangwon Self-Governing Province shall promote environmental conservation measures to ensure that human beings and nature enjoy harmonious coexistence and sustainable development and to create an ecologically desirable region, and at the same time, shall create an environment required for residents of the province to lead a healthy and pleasant life and pass this on to future generations. |
| (2) | The Governor shall endeavor to systematically conserve and manage resources and organisms recognized as rare and of high conservation value among the natural and ecological resources of Gangwon Self-Governing Province. |
| Article 61 (Special cases concerning designation and management of conservation resources) |
| (1) | The Governor may designate and manage resources recognized as rare or of high conservation value as conservation resources, as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. In such cases, the Provincial Council shall consent to the designation of conservation resources. |
| (2) | Where the Governor designates conservation resources under paragraph (1), he or she shall publicly notify them without delay as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (3) | Where necessary for the protection of conservation resources, the Governor may prohibit the capturing, logging, collecting, or damaging of the conservation resources, as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance, and may encourage such acts to be reported or order the prohibition of disclosure and movement, the removal, etc. of obstacles or take other necessary measures. |
| (4) | Where necessary for the protection of conservation resources, the Governor may bear or subsidize the expenses incurred in the management or protection thereof. |
| (5) | A person who intends to sell conservation resources in Gangwon Self-Governing Province or take them out of Gangwon Self-Governing Province shall obtain permission from the Governor, as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| (6) | The Governor shall compensate a person who has sustained loss as a result of the disposition under paragraph (3). |
| (7) | Other details necessary for the management of conservation resources shall be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| Article 62 (Establishment of environmental conservation cooperation fund) |
| (1) | The Governor shall establish the Environmental Conservation Cooperation Fund as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance in order to raise financial resources necessary for the active conservation and management of the environment and ecological resources of Gangwon Self-Governing Province. |
| (2) | The Environmental Conservation Cooperation Fund under paragraph (1) shall be financed by the following resources; provided, the financial resources under subparagraphs 1 through 5 shall be limited to the financial resources reverted to Gangwon Self-Governing Province: |
| 1. | Penalty surcharges and administrative fines under the Sewerage Act; |
| 2. | Grants of expenses incurred in collection of environmental improvement charges under the Environmental Improvement Cost Liability Act; |
| 3. | Grants of expenses incurred in collection of emission charges under the Clean Air Conservation Act; |
| 4. | Grants of expenses incurred in collection of emission charges under the Water Environment Conservation Act; |
| 5. | Administrative fines imposed on violators of environment-related statutes, including the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, the Clean Air Conservation Act, and the Water Environment Conservation Act; |
| 6. | Funds transferred from the general accounts and other special accounts of Gangwon Self-Governing Province. |
| (3) | The State may provide financial support to the Environmental Conservation Cooperation Fund under paragraph (1). |
| Article 63 (Designation and development of environmental education model city) |
| (1) | In order to improve residents' participation in environmental conservation and such practice in daily life, the Governor may designate an environmental education model city as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance to formulate an environmental education plan and provide experiential environmental education, etc. |
| (2) | Where the implementation of an environmental education plan of a model city under paragraph (1) is deemed to have improved citizens' awareness of environmental conservation, the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may designate a model city as an environmental education city and may provide administrative and financial support necessary for the promotion and development thereof. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 64 (Special cases concerning environmental impact assessment) |
| (1) | Notwithstanding Article 27 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, a consultation on a project subject to environmental impact assessment under Article 22 of that Act which does not fall under any of the following subparagraphs shall be requested to the Governor: |
| 1. | A project operated by the head of a central administrative agency, the Governor, a public institution under Article 4 (1) of the Act on the Management of Public Institutions, or a local public enterprise established by Gangwon Self-Governing Province pursuant to the Local Public Enterprises Act (excluding development projects under Article 9 of the Special Act on the Assistance to the Development of Abandoned Mine Areas); |
| 2. | A project whose business area includes the jurisdictional territory of a local government other than Gangwon Self-Governing Province. |
| (2) | When the Governor, in receipt of a request for consultation under paragraph (1), examines the details, etc. of an environmental impact assessment report, he or she may listen to the opinions of an institution with expertise required for such environmental impact assessment (referring to an institution prescribed by Presidential Decree under the main clause, with the exception of the subparagraphs, of Article 28 (2) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act or an institution separately designated and publicly notified by the Governor after consultation with the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment) or relevant experts or may request an on-site survey. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | The authority of the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment under Articles 8, 24, 28 through 41, 51, 52, 66, 66-2, and 76 (6) (limited to the imposition and collection of administrative fines, the authority of which is devolved) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, shall become the Governor's inherent authority. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (4) | A re-assessment institution under Article 41 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act shall be deemed to include an institution separately designated and publicly notified by the Governor in consultation with the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment pursuant to paragraph (2). <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 65 (Special cases concerning mini environmental impact assessment) |
| (1) | Notwithstanding Article 44 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act, a consultation with the Governor shall be requested for a project subject to mini environmental impact assessment under Article 43 of that Act, which does not fall under any subparagraph of Article 64 (1). |
| (2) | Where the Governor, in receipt of a request for consultation under paragraph (1), examines the details, etc. of a mini environmental impact assessment report, he or she may listen to the opinions of an institution with expertise required for such mini environmental impact assessment (referring to an institution prescribed by Presidential Decree under the main clause of Article 17 (2) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act applied mutatis mutandis pursuant to Article 45 (2) of that Act or an institution separately designated and publicly notified by the Governor in consultation with the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment) or relevant experts or request an on-site survey. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | The authority of the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment under Articles 44 through 46, 46-2, and 47 through 49 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act with respect to matters requiring consultation with the Governor under paragraph (1) shall become the Governor's inherent authority. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 66 (Special cases concerning consultation on impact on natural scenery) |
| (1) | Notwithstanding Article 28 (1) of the Natural Environment Conservation Act, consultations shall be held with the Governor about the impacts of a project requiring a consultation with the Governor under Articles 64 and 65 on the natural landscape and about conservation measures, etc. |
| (2) | The authority of the head of a local environmental agency under Articles 28 and 29 of the Natural Environment Conservation Act shall become the Governor's inherent authority. |
| (3) | The Governor, in receipt of a request for consultation under paragraph (1), shall establish a Natural Scenery Deliberative Committee to ensure a professional and efficient examination and deliberation. |
| (4) | The Natural Environment Conservation Act shall apply mutatis mutandis to the consultation methods and procedures, the Natural Scenery Deliberative Committee, etc. pursuant to paragraphs (1) through (3). In such cases, the "head of the local environmental agency" shall be deemed the "Governor". |
| Article 67 (Special cases concerning climate change impact assessment) |
| (1) | Notwithstanding Article 23 (2) of the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth for Response to Climate Crisis, with respect to a project requiring a consultation with the Governor under Article 64, the Governor shall also be requested to hold a consultation on the examination of climate change impact assessment. |
| (2) | Where the Governor examines the results of climate change assessment in response to a request for consultation under paragraph (1), he or she shall listen to the opinions of the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment and then reflect those opinions as much as possible. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | The authority of the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment under Article 23 of the Framework Act on Carbon Neutrality and Green Growth for Coping with Climate Crisis regarding consultation under paragraph (1) shall become the Governor's inherent authority. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 68 (Special cases concerning the Environmental Health Act) |
| (1) | Notwithstanding Article 13 (1) of the Environmental Health Act, the Governor shall be requested to hold a consultation with respect to a project requiring a consultation with the Governor under Article 64. |
| (2) | Where the Governor, in receipt of a request for consultation under paragraph (1), examines and evaluates the impacts on citizens' health, he or she shall listen to the opinions of the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment or the head of the competent regional environmental office and then reflect such opinions as much as possible. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | The authority of the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment or the head of a regional environmental office under Article 13 (1) and (2) of the Environmental Health Act regarding consultation under paragraph (1) shall become the Governor's inherent authority. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| Article 69 (Duration of special cases) |
| (1) | Special cases under Articles 64 through 68 shall remain effective until 3 years elapse from the date this Act enters into force. |
| (2) | The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment shall evaluate the operational performance, etc. of the special cases under Articles 64 through 68 at least 3 months prior to the end of duration under paragraph (1) and notify the Governor of his or her opinion on extending or abolishing the duration, and the Governor shall take necessary measures based on the opinions notified. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (3) | The Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment may request that the Governor submit data necessary for the evaluation under paragraph (2). In such cases, the Governor shall comply therewith, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. <Amended on Oct. 1, 2025> |
| (4) | Matters necessary for evaluation methods, procedures, etc. under paragraph (2) shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
CHAPTER III SPECIAL CASES CONCERNING MILITARY PROTECTION AND UNUSED MILITARY LAND
| Article 70 (Special cases concerning the Military Bases and Military Facilities Protection Act) |
| (1) | Notwithstanding Article 4 of the Protection of Military Bases and Installations Act, the Governor or the head of the competent Si/Gun may recommend that the commander of the jurisdictional unit designate, change, or cancel the Civilian Control Line or protection zones. |
| (2) | Where matters recommended by the Governor or the head of a Si/Gun under paragraph (1) are not reflected, the commander of the jurisdictional unit shall present the grounds therefor. |
| (3) | The Minister of National Defense may, if deemed necessary, commission any of the following persons recommended by the Governor as a member of the Deliberation Committee of the Ministry of National Defense under Article 15 (1) of the Protection of Military Bases and Installations Act: |
| 1. | Public officials of the relevant local governments; |
| 2. | Executive officers and employees of public institutions under the Act on the Management of Public Institutions; |
| 3. | Executive officers and employees of local public enterprises established by Gangwon Self-Governing Province, and Sis/Guns under the Local Public Enterprises Act; |
| 4. | Executive officers and researchers of local government-funded research institutes established by Gangwon Self-Governing Province under the Act on the Establishment and Operation of Local Government-Funded Research Institutes. |
| (4) | Methods, procedures, etc. for designating, changing, or cancelling the Civilian Control Line or protection zones under paragraph (1) shall be governed by the Protection of Military Bases and Military Installations Act. |
| (5) | When the Minister of National Defense formulates a master plan for the management of protection zones, etc. under Article 16 of the Protection of Military Bases and Installations Act, the Minister shall listen to the opinions of the Governor in advance. |
| Article 71 (Provision of status of unused military land) |
| (1) | Upon receipt of a request by the Governor, the Minister of National Defense may provide the Governor with the current status of land (hereinafter referred to as "unused military land") in Gangwon Self-Governing Province that is not utilized as a site for a military camp (referring to a site for a military camp defined in subparagraph 5 of Article 2 of the Act on National Defense and Military Installations Projects) due to the consolidation and relocation of military units in accordance with a basic plan for national defense reform under Article 5 of the National Defense Reform Act. |
| (2) | The Governor or the head of the competent Si/Gun may submit his or her opinion on the disposal of unused military land to the Minister of National Defense. |
| Article 72 (Methods of disposal of unused military sites) |
| (1) | The Minister of National Defense shall remove above-ground or underground structures, hazardous materials, soil contamination, etc. before disposing of unused military land, such as through requisition cancellation, transfer, sale, etc.; provided, this shall not apply to any of the following cases: |
| 1. | Where the Minister of National Defense is scheduled to dispose of an above-ground structure through the sale, etc. thereof; provided, the above-ground or underground structures, hazardous materials, soil contamination, etc., other than the above-ground structure scheduled to be disposed of, shall be removed; |
| 2. | Where the Governor or the head of the competent Si/Gun intends to continuously utilize an above-ground or underground structure; provided, the above-ground or underground structures, hazardous materials, soil contamination, etc. other than the above-ground or underground structure intended to be utilized shall be removed; |
| 3. | Where the Governor or the head of the competent Si/Gun agrees to remove above-ground or underground structures, hazardous materials, soil contamination, etc. and the Minister of National Defense agrees to bear the expenses incurred therein; |
| 4. | Where the Governor or the head of the competent Si/Gun decides to remove above-ground or underground structures, hazardous materials, soil contamination, etc. at his or her expense. |
| (2) | The remediation levels and methods under Article 15-3 of the Soil Environment Conservation Act shall apply to the removal of soil contamination under paragraph (1). |
| (3) | Where the relevant property is sold to a person who has removed or improved above-ground or underground structures, hazardous materials, soil contamination, etc. on unused military land pursuant to paragraph (1), the proceeds of sale shall be the amount obtained by subtracting the amount of expenses incurred for improvement from the sale price of the improved property. |
| Article 73 (Special cases concerning disposal of unused military land) |
| (1) | Where the Governor or the head of the competent Si/Gun intends to utilize unused military land for the implementation of public works under Article 4 of the Act on Acquisition of and Compensation for Land for Public Works Projects (hereafter referred to as "public works" in this Article), the Minister of National Defense shall actively cooperate therewith. |
| (2) | Where the Governor or the head of the competent Si/Gun requests the Minister of National Defense to cancel requisition with regard to the relevant unused military land under Article 15 (1) of the Requisition Act or to cancel the designation, etc. of protection zones for military bases and installations under Article 4 (1) and (2) of the Protection of Military Bases and Installations Act in order to implement public works on the unused military land, the Minister of National Defense shall preferentially examine such request. |
| (3) | Public works implemented on unused military land shall be deemed public works under Article 20-2 (2) of the Act on Special Measures for Readjustment of Requisitioned Properties and Article 4 (2) of the Act on Special Measures for Readjustment of Expropriated or Used Lands under the Decree on Special Measures for Expropriation or Uses of Lands in Areas to Be Mobilized under Article 5 (4) of the Act on Special Measures for National Integrity. |
| (4) | Where the Governor or the head of the competent Si/Gun intends to purchase unused military land or to continue to utilize above-ground structures, etc. on the unused military land, the Minister of National Defense may exchange the relevant unused military land or above-ground structures, etc. with the public property of Gangwon Self-Governing Province or the competent Si/Gun, which is being used or will be used by the military unit. |
| (5) | Notwithstanding Article 38 (1) of the Building Act, the head of the competent Si/Gun may make a record in the relevant building register, if deemed necessary for a building within an unused military land. |
PART V SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS
| Article 74 (Social Agreement) |
| (1) | The Governor shall provide support so that social agreements can be concluded by field in order to set the basic direction for policies through autonomy and consensus, and to resolve social issues. |
| (2) | The Governor may organize and operate a social agreement committee, as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance, to listen to opinions on the following matters related to the conclusion of social agreements by field under paragraph (1): |
| 1. | Matters regarding the conclusion of social agreements by function; |
| 2. | Matters for the enhancement of residents' rights and the settlement of social conflicts; |
| 3. | Other matters submitted to a meeting, as deemed necessary by the Governor or the chairperson of the social agreement committee. |
| (3) | The Governor's opinion shall be sought to conclude any social agreement involving a budget or restrictions on the rights of residents and imposition of obligations thereon, for such matters. |
| (4) | With regard to the conclusion of any social agreement or matters mediated by the social agreement committee, the chairperson of the social agreement committee may recommend that the Governor conduct the implementation thereof. |
| Article 75 (Overseas cooperation) |
Gangwon Self-Governing Province may engage in cooperation and exchange with foreign local governments in the fields of economy, culture, education, science, technology, sports, environment, tourism, etc.
| Article 76 (Cooperation of stated-owned enterprises) |
| (1) | The Governor may request that public institutions, etc. under the Act on the Management of Public Institutions (limited to institutions located in Gangwon Self-Governing Province; hereinafter referred to as "State-owned enterprises") cooperate in business affairs. In such cases, State-owned enterprises shall cooperate, unless there is a compelling reason not to do so. |
| (2) | The Governor may organize and operate a development council by field to promote cooperation with State-owned enterprises under paragraph (1). |
| (3) | Matters regarding the scope and cooperation of State-owned enterprises and the organization and operation of a development council by field under paragraphs (1) and (2), shall be prescribed by Presidential Decree. |
The Governor shall hold a hearing in any of the following cases:
| 1. | Where the designation of a promotion district is cancelled; |
| 2. | Where the designation of a revitalization district is cancelled; |
| 3. | Where authorization, approval, permission, registration or designation is cancelled under Article 78 (1). |
| (1) | Where a project implementer or business operator under this Act falls under any of the following subparagraphs, the Governor may cancel authorization, approval, permission, registration or designation under this Act, suspend its effect, suspend construction, or order the reconstruction, alteration, relocation, or removal of a building or an artificial structure or other necessary measures; provided, in cases falling under subparagraph 1, authorization, approval, permission, registration or designation shall be cancelled. |
| 1. | Where authorization, approval, permission, registration or designation under this Act has been obtained by fraud or other improper means; |
| 2. | Where the continued implementation of a development project under this Act is impracticable due to changes in circumstances, or where the public interest is deemed to be substantially weakened. |
| (2) | Where the Governor orders measures under paragraph (1), he or she shall make a public announcement as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
| Article 79 (Prevention of prejudice to public official's status) |
Public officials whose status is changed under this Act shall be appointed to the proper position based on his or her career, current duties, and previous position, and shall not be prejudiced in personnel management.
| Article 80 (Collection of administrative fines following devolution of authority) |
Where the authority of the head of a central administrative agency to impose and collect administrative fines, penalty surcharges, development charges, and additional charges (hereafter in this Article, referred to as "administrative fines, etc.") becomes the Governor's inherent authority under this Act, any delinquent administrative fines, etc. shall be collected in the same manner as delinquent local taxes are collected.
| Article 81 (Legal fiction as public officials for purposes of applying penalty provisions) |
A member of the Supporting Committee, a member of the Provincial Personnel Committee, and a member of the Audit and Inspection Committee who is not a public official shall be deemed to be a public official for purposes of applying penalty provisions under the Criminal Act and other statutes in connection with his or her duties.
PART VI PENALTY PROVISIONS
| Article 82 (Penalty provisions applicable to environment) |
Any person who sells or takes conservation resources out of Gangwon Self-Governing Province without obtaining permission under Article 61 (5) shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than 3 years or by a fine not exceeding 30 million won.
| Article 83 (Penalty provisions for Audit and Inspection Committee) |
Any of the following persons shall be punished by imprisonment with labor for not more than 1 year or by a fine not exceeding 10 million won:
| 1. | A person subject to audit and inspection by the Audit and Inspection Committee who refuses such audit and inspection without good cause or refuses a request for submission of data; |
| 2. | A person who interferes with the activities of the audit and inspection body without good cause; |
| 3. | A person who violates the obligation to maintain confidentiality under Article 27 (1). |
| Article 84 (Administrative fines) |
| (1) | A person who fails to comply with any disposition or order issued by the Governor under Article 78 (1) shall be subject to an administrative fine not exceeding 10 million won. |
| (2) | Administrative Fines under paragraph (1) shall be imposed and collected by the Governor, as prescribed by Provincial Ordinance. |
ADDENDA <Act No. 19427, Jun. 7, 2023>
Article 1 (Enforcement Data)
This Act shall enter into force 1 year after the date of its promulgation; provided, the amended provisions of Articles 10 (8) and (9), and Articles 5 (2) and (3) and 8 of the Addenda shall enter into force on June 11, 2023.
Article 2 (Preparation for enforcement of the Act)
The relevant central administrative agencies and the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Governor may make necessary preparations for the enforcement of this Act before this Act enters into force.
Article 3 (Applicability to special cases concerning environmental impact assessment)
The amended provisions of Articles 64 through 68 shall apply to the preparation of a preparatory statement under Article 24 (1) and (2) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Act after this Act enters into force, or to the submission of a mini environmental impact assessment report under Article 44 (1) of that Act.
Article 4 (Transitional measures concerning Governor of Gangwon Province and members of Do Council)
As of June 11, 2023, the enforcement date of the Special Act on the Establishment of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Act No. 18875), the Gangwon-do Governor (including the Superintendent of Education of Gangwon-do; hereinafter the same shall apply) and members of Gangwon-do Council elected pursuant to the Public Official Election Act shall be deemed the Special Self-Governing Province Governor (including the Superintendent of Education of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province; hereinafter the same shall apply) and members of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Council in accordance with this Act.
Article 5 (General transitional measures following abolition of former Gangwon-Do)
| (1) | Any authorization, permission, etc. performed by the former Gangwon-do Governor or the head of the affiliated agency before this Act enters into force, and any report, application, etc. thereon shall be deemed to have been done or filed by the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Governor or the head of the affiliated agency, respectively. |
| (2) | Where the former Gangwon-do, Gangwon-do Governor, Gangwon-do Council, Gangwon-do Council members, Gangwon-do ordinances and Gangwon-do rules are cited in other statutes or regulations as at the time this Act enters into force, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Governor, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province Council, and members of the Special Self-Governing Province Council, ordinances of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, and rules of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province shall be deemed to have been cited. |
| (3) | A Si/Gun established within the territorial jurisdiction of the former Gangwon-do as at the time this Act enters into force shall be deemed a Si/Gun established within the territorial jurisdiction of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. |
Article 6 (Transitional measures concerning enactment of provincial ordinance)
Matters to be prescribed by Provincial Ordinance pursuant to this Act or matters prescribed by previous Presidential Decree or Ministerial Ordinance shall be governed by the previous provisions until Provincial Ordinance is enacted under this Act.
Article 7 (Transitional measures concerning penalty provisions and Administrative fines)
The application of penalty provisions and administrative fines to acts committed before this Act enters into force shall be governed by the previous provisions.
Article 8 Omitted.
Article 9 (Relationship to other statutes or regulations)
Any citation of the former provisions of the Special Act on the Establishment of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, in any other statutes or regulations, or Provincial Ordinance, as at the time this Act enters into force, shall be deemed a citation of the relevant provisions of this Act in lieu of the former provisions, if such provisions corresponding thereto exist in this Act.
ADDENDA <Act No. 20999, Jul. 22, 2025>
Article 1 (Enforcement Data)
This Act shall enter into force six months after the date of its promulgation.
Article 2 Omitted.
ADDENDA <Act No. 21065, Oct. 1, 2025>
Article 1 (Enforcement Data)
| (1) | This Act shall enter into force on the date of its promulgation; provided, among Acts amended pursuant to Article 7 of Addenda, the amendments to any Act, which was promulgated before this Act enters into force but the enforcement date of which has not yet arrived, shall enter into force on ...<omitted>... the enforcement date of the relevant Act. |
Articles 2 through 6 Omitted.
Article 7 Omitted.
Article 8 Omitted.