Jeonnam Province Announces Call for Applications for 'Islands You Want to Visit' Project Sites

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Jeonnam Province announced on the 26th that it will hold a public contest for next year's "Islands You Want to Visit" project sites.

The application period is from the 27th to the 26th of next month.

Applications will be accepted from the 17th to the 26th of next month. Interested cities and counties can apply to the Jeonnam Province Island and Marine Policy Division.

The province plans to conduct document, on-site, and policy evaluations by the end of September and finalize the selection of two islands in October.

The evaluation panel will consist of up to eight island development experts who will comprehensively assess the islands' unique ecology, nature, culture, history, village revitalization potential, project feasibility, and residents' willingness to participate.

If selected as an "Island You Want to Visit," the island will receive 1 billion KRW annually for five years, totaling 5 billion KRW, starting next year. Residents will lead the development direction and themes, establish a basic plan, and cultivate the island.

The "Islands You Want to Visit" project began in 2015 with the selection of six islands including Yeosu Nangdo, Goheung Yeonhongdo, Gangjin Gaudo, Wando Soando, Jindo Gwanmaedo, and Sinan Banwol and Bakjido. Since then, two islands have been added annually, bringing the total to 16 islands.

Among these, nine islands have completed the construction of basic tourism facilities and have been opened to the public. The plan is to select and focus development on 24 islands by 2024.

In particular, the nine opened islands have generated 2.8 billion KRW in village joint income over the past four years through village restaurants, guesthouses, cafes, and specialty product stores. Additionally, 85 people from 65 households have relocated to these islands, injecting new vitality into the island communities.

Park Yonghak, head of the Jeonnam Province Island and Marine Policy Division, said, "Since being selected as 'Islands You Want to Visit,' not only has tourism increased, but village enterprises have also led to new income generation for residents. We will continue to support sustainable 'Islands You Want to Visit' led by island residents."

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