SIHEUNG, SOUTH KOREA – As part of the '2025 World Journalists Conference,' a delegation of approximately 60 journalists hailing from 52 nations embarked on an insightful visit to Siheung City in Gyeonggi Province on May 4th. The visit offered a firsthand look at the city's commitment to ecological restoration and its burgeoning ambitions in the biotechnology sector, particularly around the revitalized Sihwa Lake and the designated national bio special cluster.

The international media contingent commenced their exploration by immersing themselves in the natural beauty and ecological significance of Sihwa Lake. Recognized by UNESCO as an Ecohydrology Demonstration Basin, Sihwa Lake presented a compelling case study in environmental rehabilitation. The journalists had the opportunity to appreciate the scenic landscapes and learn about the remarkable transformation of the lake from a heavily polluted area, once dubbed a "lake of death," into a thriving aquatic ecosystem teeming with life. Their walk across the 300-meter scenic bridge connecting Geobukseom (Turtle Island) further highlighted Siheung's dedication to harmonizing urban development with its natural surroundings.

A central focus of the visit was the ecological resurgence of Sihwa Lake. Representatives from various news outlets expressed keen interest in the comprehensive efforts undertaken to restore the lake's health and biodiversity. This included inquiries about the water quality management initiatives, the reintroduction of native species, and the long-term sustainability plans for the area.

Following the exploration of Sihwa Lake, Mayor Lim Byeong-taek engaged the journalists in a detailed briefing on Siheung City's strategic vision for the future, with a strong emphasis on the burgeoning bio-industry. He articulated the city's ambition to become a global leader in biotechnology, leveraging its designation as a national high-tech strategic industry bio special cluster. Mayor Lim passionately conveyed his commitment to a balanced approach, emphasizing the harmonious coexistence of environmental preservation and strategic industrial development. He outlined the steps being taken to attract investment, foster innovation, and build a world-class bio mega-cluster within Siheung.

"We are committed to showcasing the balanced value we place on both 'environment and development,'" Mayor Lim stated during the briefing. "We invite the world to witness Sihwa Lake's remarkable journey towards becoming a globally recognized ecological asset. Furthermore, our designation as a national bio special cluster marks a pivotal moment in our aspiration to evolve into the world's foremost bio mega-cluster."

The World Journalists Conference, an annual international event hosted by the Journalists Association of Korea since 2013, serves as a crucial platform for promoting South Korea's image and disseminating information about key government and local initiatives to a global audience. This year's conference, running from April 30th to May 5th, centered on the themes of 'The Future of News in the Age of Artificial Intelligence Media' and 'Climate Environmental Change,' with events held across various locations including Seoul, Jeju Island, Incheon, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), Siheung, and Anseong. The participation of journalists from diverse regions across Asia, Europe, the Americas, Oceania, and Africa underscores the conference's global reach and its significance in fostering international understanding and cooperation. The visit to Siheung City provided these influential media representatives with a tangible example of South Korea's commitment to both environmental sustainability and technological advancement.

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