서해안 도서지역(강화군) 개발 계획의 모형에 관한 연구 : 개발계획에 지역주민 및 지방정부의 참여 활성화 방안에 대하여

Abstract

This study examines the citizen participation process in decision-making for local planning in Kang-Hwa Kun (county), Kyoung-KiProvince. The study area is a group of islands along the western coast, which is located about a one-hour drive distance (or about 50 km) by car from Seoul. Although the area is close to the Capital region, it is one of the most economically depressed regions in the province because the area faces DMZ and portions of the county have not been allowed to develop. The study is based on an analysis of a survey of farmers, fishermen, and local government officials in December 1991. A total of 539 residents responded to the survey. Residents in the study area feel that the most urgent need for local development is effective planning for improved agricultural production and in educational facilities with participation of local residents in the planning process. They indicate that their active involvement in the decision making process for local development is essential. Government officials also express their willingness to have local resident participation. No one is against it in principle. However, there is a practical limit to citizen participation. One of the major reasons for this limitation is a communication gap between the public and local government planning offcials. Second, planning is an organized activity, and requires an analytical and deliberative technique, but citizen in general do not understand characteristics of a particular planning situation because they may not have the background to examine a particular plan. The public is also not aware of the full range of alternatives to the particular plan because of a communication gap between the government and citizens. Government should provide detailed information on a particular plan to public, so local resident can be aware of the full range of alternatives. The Kang-Hwa Kun has great potential to be developed because of its location close to the Capital region when political tensions between the South and the North in Korea are improved in future. A broader base of citizen participation in the planning process as a decision-forming partnership between government and local residents can bring about effective development of Kang-hwa Kun.