This paper aims to propose a new paradigm shift in groundwater management compatible with newly implemented integrated water management policies in Korea. There have been long-lasting and increasing concerns about water shortage and water-related hazards. In this work, three key roles of groundwater were defined to address imminent problems associated with water supply and hazards. The first role is to help restoring deteriorated aquatic ecosystems and managing surface water contamination by non-point sources. The second role is to serve as major local water resources for areas vulnerable to water stress. The third role is to supply emergency water required to cope with incidental natural disaster such as droughts. In order to reinforce these roles of groundwater, new groundwater management strategies that comply with the integrated water management policy are greatly needed. Under this premise, this paper proposes four new policies in groundwater management in Korea. The policies focus on integrated management of groundwater and surface water, groundwater environment management (quantity, quality, and groundwater dependent ecosystems), groundwater use management, and groundwater publicity. Groundwater management involves various sectors of institutions, local governments, and stakeholders. For effective implementation of proposed groundwater policies, the ruling governance should be constructed to establish policies that should be carried forward by cooperative efforts of governance authorities.

Keywords: Integrated Water Management, Groundwater Management, Policy Directions, Paradigm, Watershed