Gochang Mudflat to be Developed as a Representative Ecotourism Resource of the West Coast

Published 04 Jan.2022 10:47(KST)

[Gochang=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jae-gil] Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk, is preserving tidal flats that were on the verge of disappearing due to the solar power development boom and is fostering them as a representative ecological tourism resource on the west coast.

On the 4th, County Governor Yu Gi-sang stated, "With the 'Sunset, Ecological Tidal Flat Platform Construction Project' included in this year's national budget, the project has opened the way for a full-scale pioneering initiative."

Previously, since 2018, the county has been conducting a joint feasibility study project called the 'Biosphere Experience Learning Belt Project with Sunset Views' in collaboration with the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport and Jeonbuk Province.

At the end of 2019, it was incorporated into the '5th Comprehensive National Territorial Plan (2020?2040)', and it also went through the shared property review and approval process by the Gochang County Council, the representative institution of Gochang residents, in 2019.

The 'Sunset, Ecological Tidal Flat Platform Construction Project' involves building a halophyte botanical garden on the Simwon salt field site, where from spring to autumn, plants such as Salicornia, Glasswort, and Atriplex will color the area in green and pink.

A migratory bird experience center will also be established.

Registered as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, the Gochang tidal flats are home to numerous rare bird species such as the Black-faced Spoonbill and Saunders's Gull, serving as a resting place for migratory birds. It will be developed into an eco-tourism resource that is nature-friendly and accessible to all, featuring observatories and themed camping sites.

The county recently plans to designate a marine healing district utilizing Gochang's unique marine healing resources, such as the Myeongsasimni coast, which has been featured in global media including Netflix.

Marine healing uses marine resources such as seawater, mud, and seaweed to manage and prevent various diseases, promoting physical and mental health.

In September last year, the Sunset Bridge construction project on National Route 77 connecting Gochang and Buan was finally included in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's national plan and was also reflected in next year's government budget.

As a result, Gochang is expected to expand its status and role as a key hub in the super-regional tourism zone extending from Taean Peninsula in Chungnam, Saemangeum, Byeonsan in Buan, to Muan and Mokpo in Jeonnam.

In addition to the sale of specialty products such as clams, which account for 50% of domestic production, and raft-cultivated seaweed, visitors are flocking to Dongho and Gushipo beaches, which is expected to increase residents' income through job creation.

Moreover, the economic ripple effect is anticipated through direct and indirect employment during large-scale SOC projects, and the Sunset Bridge, constructed as a tourism-type bridge, is expected to activate operational personnel, related tourism, and commercial activities.

The county supports cooperation with Jeonbuk Province and neighboring cities and counties to link marine tourism from the Sunset Bridge with inland tourism resources, aiming to positively impact the overall development of Jeonbuk Province.

Additionally, large-scale linked projects will be pursued together with nearby cities and counties, including the West Coast Tourism Road Construction Project, West Coast Railroad (Mokpo-Saemangeum) construction, and installation of cable cars between Seonunsan and Byeonsan Peninsula, completing future food projects that will lead the county's future.

Governor Yu Gi-sang said, "With the 'Sunset, Ecological Tidal Flat Platform Construction Project' finally included in the government budget, the development of the salt field site has been initiated. We will move forward with the residents to lead the era of the Korean west coast and grow into an ecological cultural tourism city recognized worldwide."