Coast Guard Education Center, "Change Needed to Contribute to Yeosu Regional Economy"

Councilor Song Hajin Opposes Functional Dispersion Amid Limited Expected Benefits at Opening

[Yeosu=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Sim Kyung-taek] It has been pointed out that changes are needed so that the Korea Coast Guard Education Center located in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, can contribute to the economic revitalization of the Yeosu area, which was cited as an expected effect at the time of its opening.

On the 26th, Yeosu City Council member Song Ha-jin stated at the 3rd plenary session of the 215th regular meeting, “We cannot help but ask whether the Coast Guard Education Center is meeting the expectations of revitalizing the local economy and whether it is functioning positively for the local community.”

According to Councilor Song, the Coast Guard Education Center opened in 2013 in the Suwonji area of Ocheon-dong, Yeosu. At that time, media reports estimated that 130,000 people would settle or stay annually due to the opening of the education center, with an economic production amount of 34.8 billion KRW per year, of which 5.4 billion KRW would ripple through the local economy.

Councilor Song criticized, “The miracle that seemed likely to happen when the education center was established did not occur,” and added, “Far from having an economic ripple effect, there is no communication with the local community, and they live only within their own fence.”

He further added, “I am very curious about what contributions the education center is making to revitalize the local economy, such as purchasing local goods and using local businesses, and whether there are any records of community service and contributions.”

On the same day, Councilor Song also expressed concerns about the dispersal movement of the Yeosu Korea Coast Guard Education Center. The Coast Guard is reportedly planning to establish a ‘Job Training Center’ for specialized training of existing staff at the former Korea Coast Guard School Cheonan Campus, separate from the current Yeosu education center.

Councilor Song pointed out, “The bigger problem is the fact that some functions of the Yeosu education center, which already has a minimal ripple effect, are being dispersed to other regions,” and criticized, “New trainees have restricted outings and overnight stays and are not financially well-off, so how much local consumption effect can there be?”

He continued, “Even now, the local community must clearly oppose the dispersal of functions of the Yeosu Coast Guard Education Center,” and emphasized, “At the same time, the education center should reach out to cooperate with the local community.”

Yeosu=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Sim Kyung-taek simkt7@asiae.co.kr

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