A Study on the Program Management Direction of Megaproject for Saemangeum Development in Korea

Abstract

The Megaproject “Saemangeum Development(SD)” is a national program of South Korea to build a “Global Treasure Saemangeum” that will emerge as the economic hub of Northeast Asia, encompassing the economy, business and tourism. SD is to include the world's longest seawall (33.9km) connecting Gunsan-Buan to create reclaimed land (291㎢) and a lake (118㎢), and to develop 3.3㎢ of Gogunsan-gun island and 4.9㎢ of a new port. SD is also a program involving various stakeholders such as central administrative agencies (Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Ministry of Environment, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport), local governments (Jeollabuk-do, Gunsan-city, Buan-gun, etc.), Saemangeum Development Corporation, local public institutions and private project implementers. The Saemangeum Development and Investment Agency (SDIA) is in charge of the entire project for successful completion. SDIA needs advanced Saemangeum program management(it is called “K-SPM”) to address complex issues such as lack of clear scope and timing of termination, high dependence on private investment, frequent policy changes, and confrontation among many stakeholders. In this study, it is to introduce the establishment of procedures, time and cost management, efforts for megaproject developing a program management information system, and the direction of K-SPM development.