Wando-gun Accelerates Regional Development with Consecutive Home Runs in Large-Scale Projects

National Warm-Temperate Forest Arboretum and Jeollanam-do Sports Competition Hosting, Marine Healing Center Construction Progressing Smoothly

Wando County won 27 awards, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety Award at the 'Korea Local Autonomy Management Competition,' the Grand Prize at the 'Local Regulation Innovation Best Practice Competition' hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and the Prime Minister's Award at the 'Personnel Innovation Competition.' (Photo by Wando County)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil] Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do (Governor Shin Woo-cheol) is accelerating the promotion of current projects by achieving remarkable results in various fields despite the prolonged difficulties caused by COVID-19.

According to Wando-gun on the 7th, following the attraction of the National Subtropical Arboretum with a national budget of 187.2 billion KRW in December last year, it was finally selected as the host city for the 62nd Jeollanam-do Sports Festival in 2023 at the Jeollanam-do Sports Council board meeting held on the 31st of last month.

In 2024, with the Jeollanam-do Sports for All Festival and the Jeonnam Disabled Sports Festival also scheduled to be held, it is expected that more than 30,000 athletes, cheering squads, and visitors will come to Wando over the two years.

Next year, the 2022 Wando International Seaweed Expo will be held, creating a series of large-scale events that are expected to greatly contribute to the local economy.

In particular, with a secured budget of 98.7 billion KRW, the marine healing industry is progressing smoothly. On the 31st of last month, 2021 was declared the inaugural year of the marine healing industry, and the Marine Healing Center, which will carry out the core missions of the marine healing industry, broke ground.

Wando County declared 2021 as the inaugural year of the marine healing industry and commenced construction of the Marine Healing Center, which will carry out the core missions of the marine healing industry. (Photo by Wando County)

The marine healing industry, along with the marine bioindustry and the establishment of the National Subtropical Arboretum, is expected to serve as a driving force for regional economic development by creating about 30,000 jobs and generating 4 trillion KRW in income.

Moreover, great efforts have been made in responding to various public contest projects, securing a total project budget of 290.7 billion KRW through the selection of 33 projects, including the National Subtropical Arboretum, flood prevention projects, Fishing Village New Deal 300 project, Urban Regeneration New Deal, Rural New Vitality Plus, and the "Island to Visit" development (Geumdangdo).

The award achievements also shone brightly. Wando-gun was recognized externally as a well-performing local government by winning 27 awards, including the Ministry of the Interior and Safety Award at the ‘Korea Local Autonomy Management Competition,’ the Grand Prize at the ‘Local Regulation Innovation Best Practice Competition’ hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, and the Prime Minister’s Award at the ‘Personnel Innovation Competition.’

Additionally, the region led development through the completion of the seafood export logistics center, acquiring the highest number of international eco-certifications for seafood (ASC, MSC) worldwide, ranking first in overall satisfaction for summer vacation travel, the Shinji Myeongsasimni Beach, and re-certification of the international ‘Blue Flag’ awarded only to environmentally friendly and safe beaches.

Governor Shin Woo-cheol stated, “2021 will be a very important year for our county to take a leap forward. We will focus all our capabilities to make Wando the center of Korea’s marine industry by concentrating on the marine healing industry, marine bioindustry, and the construction of a marine tourism hub city, building a future Wando where everyone prospers.”

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