군산·제천·증평·천안, 첫 ‘물 순환 촉진구역’ 지정…가뭄·홍수 등 정부가 관리

The South Korean government has officially designated Gunsan, Jecheon, Jeungpyeong, and Cheonan as the nation's inaugural 'Water Circulation Promotion Zones.' This initiative aims to systematically address climate-related challenges such as localized flooding and prolonged droughts by optimizing urban water management systems. Authorities plan to implement specialized infrastructure to facilitate natural water absorption and purification within these designated areas. By improving the efficiency of the water cycle, the government intends to mitigate the environmental impact of rapid urbanization. This pilot project serves as a foundational model for future water management strategies across the country. Local administrations will work in tandem with central government agencies to ensure these zones effectively restore the natural hydrological balance.

This designation marks a significant shift in national policy toward proactive, climate-resilient urban planning to better manage water resources and reduce disaster risks.