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, Korea's abandoned anthracite mines stand as silent reminders of the country's industrial past. During their peak in the mid-20th century, these towns played a crucial role in the nation's postwar economic miracle, supplying power to homes and factories. However, as Korea's energy demands shifted towards oil and gas in the 1980s, the region fell into an extended period of decline.
Although a few major mines stayed operational until the 2020s, the last state-run mine finally closed its operations in the middle of 2025, resulting in a significant population drop and the deterioration of local economies. In an attempt to breathe new life into these deserted valleys, trade officials and local leaders have adopted a novel strategy.
By connecting the region's remaining small businesses directly to global markets, they aim to reignite economic activity. This approach was demonstrated at a recent national trade showcase in Goyang, Gyeonggi Province, where entrepreneurs from these small towns had the opportunity to directly engage with international buyers. The showcase featured a dedicated exhibition highlighting the efforts to revitalize these once-thriving towns.
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.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
