Wando Sinji Myeongsasipri Beach, the Only Domestic Site Pursuing Blue Flag Re-certification

Demolition of 13 Buildings in Mak Gujo Shopping Complex, Expansion of Convenience Facilities for Tourists with Disabilities

Scenery of Wando Sinji Myeongsasipri Beach (Photo by Wando-gun)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyungpil] Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 23rd that Sinji Myeongsashipri Beach, the only beach in Korea certified with the Blue Flag, which is awarded only to environmentally friendly and safe beaches, is stepping up preparations for re-certification.

The Blue Flag certification is awarded by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) based in Copenhagen, Denmark, to beaches that meet all requirements in four areas: safety, environmental education, water quality, and surrounding environment, covering 29 evaluation items and 137 requirements.

Starting in Europe in 1985 and expanding globally in 2001, by 2016, beaches and marinas (comprehensive coastal tourist facilities) in 50 countries had obtained certification. Last year, Sinji Myeongsashipri Beach in Wando was the only beach in Korea to receive the certification.

The certification is renewed annually through re-examination, and if the certification requirements are not met due to lack of management after the initial certification, the certification is revoked.

Accordingly, Wando-gun is meticulously inspecting all 137 checklist items and promoting improvements and supplements for any deficiencies to obtain re-certification.

In particular, 13 wooden structure shops whose lease periods have expired will be demolished by the end of this month, and the site will be converted into green space to upgrade the recreational environment.

Additionally, the approximately 3 km deck road, popular as a walkway for beach visitors and a trekking course, has also been refurbished.

Lee Songhyun, Director of Tourism at Wando County Office, said, “We will ensure that Myeongsashipri Beach maintains its reputation as the ‘best domestic resort’ by obtaining Blue Flag re-certification,” and added, “We will expand recreational infrastructure and convenience facilities to attract visitors throughout all four seasons.”

Meanwhile, the Blue Flag certification renewal process involves submitting the final report and application form to the international headquarters by April, after which on-site inspections and evaluations will be conducted, and re-certification will be decided in the first half of this year.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.