[THE INVESTOR] The government is to ease environmental regulations concerning Pyeongchang-Gangneung area of Gangwon Province as part of the drive to boost investment and trade.

According to the pan-government plans revealed on July 7, environment-related regulations near Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province, will be eased, removing barriers hampering development projects in the area. 

At present, projects planned for the area, which will draw 100 billion won (US$ 86.5 million) investment according to government estimates, have been held back by environmental regulations.

To enable concerned projects to pick up speed, the government will ease regulations holding back the project including those regarding the conservation of Baekdudaegan, state-owned forests and the Grassland Act.

Potential projects for the region include a railroad that climbs Daegwallyeong, the mountain path connecting Gangneung and Pyeongchang that rises to 832 meters above sea level.

Once related regulations are changed, restaurants and hospitality facilities will be allowed in the region, and horse riding and ranching-related facilities whose area does not exceed 5 percent of the deregulated area will be allowed to be built without additional restrictions.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)