Export push seeks to breathe new life into Korea's hollowed-out mining towns
Deep in the rugged, forested mountains of Gangwon Province, the hollowed-out shafts of abandoned anthracite mines stand as quiet monuments to Korea’s industrial birth. During their mid-20th-century heyday, these bustling towns fueled the nation’s postwar economic miracle, powering domestic hearths and heavy manufacturing alike. But as Korea’s energy needs shifted toward oil and gas in the 1980s,…
In the rugged, forested mountains of Gangwon Province, the abandoned anthracite mines serve as solemn reminders of Korea's industrial past. During their peak in the mid-20th century, these towns played a pivotal role in fueling the nation's postwar economic miracle, providing power for domestic needs and heavy manufacturing. However, with Korea's energy focus shifting towards oil and gas in the 1980s, the region experienced a prolonged and steep decline.
Although a few large mines persisted until the mid-2020s, the final state-run mine shut down its operations in mid-2025, resulting in the abandonment of steep valleys marked by declining populations and faltering local economies.
In an effort to revive these dwindling towns, trade officials and local leaders have adopted a novel strategy: connecting the remaining small businesses directly to overseas markets. Instead of solely relying on local tourism or government assistance, a national trade showcase recently held in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, provided a platform for small-town entrepreneurs to directly engage with international buyers.
A key component of the event featured a dedicated exhibition floor showcasing the potential of these small businesses to enter and thrive in global markets.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
