[Interview] Park Eun-yong, Head of Sinui-myeon: "I Want to Highlight Sinui's Unique Charm Beyond Its Salt Production"

Making 'Sinui-do' a Better Island to Live On

Park Eun-yong, the head of Sinui-myeon, Shinan-gun, who is working in his hometown for the first time in 26 years. Photo by Jeong Seung-hyun

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jeong Seunghyun] “I wanted to break the prejudice that Sinui-do, known only as a salt production area, has nothing to see,” said Park Eun-yong, the head of Sinui-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do.

Since being appointed as a Sinan-gun public official in 1995, Park, who is working in his hometown for the first time in 26 years, has a special affection for the island.

Sinui Has More Than Just Salt

So far, Sinui-do has been known only as a salt production area, and the relative importance of tourism has been small. To overcome this, Park is discovering the island’s beauty and constantly drawing out the value of the ordinary land for the local residents.

Eun-yong Park, Head of Sinui-myeon, Sinan-gun.

For example, the Imdo Haeoreum Road in Sinui offers a panoramic view of Jindo Sebang Sunset across the sea, creating an exotic atmosphere reminiscent of Vietnam’s Halong Bay as a bicycle road.

To overcome the poor conditions of the myeon-level budget, Park is not leading tourism development but rather uncovering the island’s hidden charm through facility maintenance that highlights existing tourist spots.

In particular, the ocean view of Sinui-do, which stretches 6.3 km along the coastline, is being enhanced by tree pruning and deck repairs to showcase its natural scenery that can rival any place in the world.

The changing sea views along the winding roads and the coastline and rocky shores encountered while circling the mountain ridges are also exquisite.

That’s not all. Behind Sojangdong Village in Sinui, Ansan holds about 50 Sangseo ancient tombs (dolmens) believed to be from the Baekje period, the ruins of a 4-meter-high fortress wall at Ansan Fortress Site, and Hwangseonggeum-ri Beach made of fine natural sand, offering diverse attractions on Sinui-do.

Park said, “When outsiders visit Sinui-do, I first show them the salt fields. Then, when they see Sinui-do’s outstanding natural scenery, everyone expresses amazement. I wanted to break the prejudice that Sinui-do, hidden by salt production, is an island with nothing to see.”

Additionally, based on the history of the farmers’ land reclamation movement that started in Sinan through Hong Sung-dam, a folk artist from Sinui, a museum is being planned.

Warmth That Begins with a Friendly Greeting

Park’s courteous greetings to the residents were evident from the praise of the local people.

Recently, many residents who saw him personally accompany the elderly to the mainland for COVID-19 vaccinations responded, “We are truly grateful and thankful for the young myeon head’s exemplary leadership.”

Before sunrise, Park’s habit of walking around the village entrance to find administrative shortcomings demonstrates proactive administration and serves as a role model for fellow public officials.

Park said, “Sometimes I feel embarrassed when small actions that start from what is natural turn into praise, but I take it as a sign to develop my hometown and will strive even harder.”

In particular, to defend the price of the salt market, which had been declining until last year, Park requested Nam Sinan Nonghyup to maintain a purchase price of 10,000 won, creating a rebound with a price increase.

Recently, with the price of a bag of salt exceeding 15,000 won, it has contributed to increasing residents’ income.

Park Eun-yong said, “The rise in purchase prices, which came like a blessing to farmers who had been distressed by the continuous decline in the salt market over the past few years, is a joyful event. Now, along with price stability, the administration will also do its best to maintain market prices.”

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