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Two-thousand-fourteen is the Year of the Horse on the Chinese Zodiac, a period associated
with power and a close relationship with nature. Local governments in Korea are also aiming
to use it to boost Korea's horse industry with the help of a new 500-million dollar
eco-tourism project. Paul Yi reports. Here on Korea's western coast
near the city of Hwaseong-si in Gyeonggi-do Province, lies fields of untapped potential
for the nation's tourism and agricultural industries.
The fertile ground remains undeveloped with no large factories or even residential areas
in sight. But the Gyeonggi-do Provincial Government
has big plans for this newly reclaimed land.
Officials say over 760 hectares will be dedicated to creating a major development project called
"Eco-Farmland," which will combine livestock farming, horseback riding and regional tourism.
Some 520 million U.S. dollars in funding has already been committed to cover project expenses
through 2016, with a majority of that money going toward investments in horse-related
industries.
Among the planned facilities include equestrian venues, horse-riding academies and an animal
hospital. Other secondary businesses such as horse-race
training and breeding will also be supported. Gyeonggi-do hopes to capitalize on the rising
popularity of horseback riding in Korea to attract visitors.
In addition, the region will be designated a special industrial zone to promote agricultural
research.
"By merging the livestock and tourism industries, we can create a new agro-tourism sector. We
expect this field to play an important role as a new growth engine for rural areas and
development of the horse industry."
From leisure activities and sporting events to scientific research, the Eco-Farmland venture
plans to drive job creation for the region as well as open a new era of eco-friendly
tourism.
Paul Yi, Arirang News