Seoul announces ambitious plans for 'green growth'

By Byun Duk-kun
SEOUL, Feb. 16 (Yonhap) -- South Korea will spend over 1.2 trillion won (US$852
million) in the next 10 years to build a nationwide network of bicycle paths
under an ambitious plan to make the country one of the top "green" nations in the
world, the presidential office said Monday.

The government also unveiled other green projects, which include increasing the
use of renewable energy such as solar and wind power, and replacing all
incandescent light bulbs at public facilities with more energy-efficient LED
bulbs by 2012.
"The country will boost its energy independence and green technology levels to
those of the world's top 10 advanced nations by 2030 to help establish an image
of Green Korea," Cheong Wa Dae said in a press release.
The new projects were decided at the inaugural meeting of the Presidential
Committee on Green Growth, held earlier Monday at Cheong Wa Dae.
Last month, Seoul announced a 50-trillion won program dubbed the "Green New Deal"
it says will create over 900,000 jobs. The plan includes a multi-trillion-won
project to restore the country's four major rivers.
The new projects will, according to President Lee Myung-bak, provide a strong
source of growth once the ongoing global economic downturn subsides.
"Many people talk about finding an opportunity amid a crisis, but we must work to
create such an opportunity. The government will work tirelessly to address urgent
(economic) issues but will also work to create such an opportunity that will
follow the ongoing crisis," Lee had said.
One of the most visible projects is the plan to build a network of bicycle paths
stretching over 3,100 kilometers throughout the country.
"The country also plans to host an international bicycle race, 'Tour de Korea,'
when the project is completed in 2012," the presidential committee said.
bdk@yna.co.kr
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