The "Korean Island Promotion Agency" Should Be Established in 1004 Island Sinan

Shinan-gun with the Most Islands Actively Pursues Hosting the 'Korea Island Promotion Agency'

"The Historical Significance, Policy Achievements, and Future Vision of Korea's Islands All Lie in Shinan"

Heuksando Port, Sinan County / ? Asia Economy

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Seo Young-seo] The "Partial Amendment Act to Promote Island Development," jointly proposed by National Assembly members Seo Sam-seok (Democratic Party, Yeongam·Muan·Shinan) and Kim Won-i (Democratic Party, Mokpo), passed the National Assembly plenary session on the 1st.

Accordingly, a legal basis for the establishment of the "Korea Island Promotion Agency" has been prepared, which is expected to give momentum to systematic management, policy research, and promotion projects for islands in South Korea.

The establishment of the Korea Island Promotion Agency has been a long-standing wish of island-related local governments, including Shinan-gun, as well as island residents. This is because the systematic implementation of island policies, which are at the forefront of territorial defense, also has a significant economic ripple effect. According to research results, the production inducement effect over the next five years following the establishment of the Korea Island Promotion Agency is estimated at 40.7 billion KRW, the added value effect at 27.4 billion KRW, and the employment inducement effect at 279 people.

The specific timing and location for the establishment of the Korea Island Promotion Agency have not yet been decided. However, due to the symbolic significance and expected effects of the agency, several regions are hoping to host it.

Shinan-gun stated, "We do not hope to host the Korea Island Promotion Agency simply because we are the local government with the most islands," adding, "Historically, the islands of Shinan have protected this country, and currently lead the era of island revival with advanced island policies, so the Korea Island Promotion Agency should rightfully establish its base in 1004 Islands Shinan."

A Shinan-gun official recalled, "In 1243, the Mongols mobilized about 70 warships to attack Aphaedo to cut off supply routes and destroy Goryeo, but the residents of Aphaedo repelled them and saved the country. Also, in the 8th year of King Taejong of Joseon (1408), when hundreds of Japanese pirates on nine pirate ships invaded Amtaedo, they were repelled and the island was defended," emphasizing, "The starting point of the nationwide peasant uprisings during the Japanese colonial period was also the peasant uprisings in Amtaedo and the three islands of Ha-ui in Shinan."

He continued, "Shinan-gun is the first place to introduce a public transportation system among all local governments," and said, "Shinan-gun is an advanced island policy area, having already implemented the '1000 KRW Ferry' project aimed at transitioning to a fully public ferry system, as well as operating the first nighttime passenger ferry."

He also emphasized, "Shinan-gun's 'One Island, One Art Museum' policy has gained popularity to the extent that it was introduced in Asia's largest travel magazine published in Hong Kong, and the profit-sharing system related to renewable energy such as solar power is evaluated as an attractive advanced policy, with President Moon Jae-in himself emphasizing its expansion."

County Governor Park Woo-ryang stated, "We do not advocate for Shinan to host the Korea Island Promotion Agency simply because we have many islands," and presented the grounds for establishing the agency in Shinan by asking, "Considering the historical significance of the islands that have protected South Korea, the achievements of actively utilizing the island ecological environment as a mechanism for island development, and the vision for the future of South Korean islands, is there any place other than 1004 Islands Shinan that can present this?"

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