Korea Island Promotion Agency and Gwangju Shinsegae Join Hands for Social Contribution Project

Delivery of Groceries to Island Residents Upon Achieving 10 Million Steps in Yeosu Area

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] A national research institute serving as the control tower for domestic island policy and a regional department store are launching a 'special project' where walking on islands results in food deliveries to island residents.

The Korea Island Development Institute (KIDI, President Oh Dongho) announced on the 28th that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Gwangju Shinsegae at the auditorium on the 3rd floor of the Agricultural Technology Center located in Aphae-eup, Sinan-gun.

While there have been MOUs with local governments and institutions before, this is the first time with a private company.

The signing ceremony was attended by Oh Dongho, President of KIDI, Lee Donghoon, CEO of Gwangju Shinsegae, officials from both KIDI and Gwangju Shinsegae, and about 50 island area youths.

The ceremony began with a performance by members of the ‘Sinan1004 Youth Orchestra’ and proceeded with greetings from the heads of institutions, signing of the agreement, donation of goods to island youths, and commemorative photo sessions.

Under this agreement, KIDI and Gwangju Shinsegae plan to promote tourism in island areas and carry out various social contribution activities.

First, they will jointly promote the ‘Korea Island Shinsegae Stamp Challenge’ project and plan promotional and environmental maintenance projects to introduce Korea’s beautiful islands to the public.

This year, the ‘Island Stamp Challenge’ will be piloted nationwide, focusing on the Yeosu area. Participants will visit Gaedo, Hwahado, and Sado in Yeosu, and upon reaching the total target of 10 million steps, food supplies will be delivered to households living on islands in Yeosu with fewer than 20 residents.

Additionally, participants in the challenge will be entered into a draw to receive food delivery coupons and commemorative challenge goods.

On the same day, a donation ceremony for goods to island area youths was held. Items necessary for study were delivered to members of the ‘Sinan1004 Youth Orchestra’ active in island areas.

The ‘Sinan1004 Youth Orchestra’ consists of about 80 students attending elementary, middle, and high schools in Sinan islands such as Aphae, Jaeun, Bigeum, Anjwa, Amtae, and Dochodo, and performed waltzes and medleys of island songs during the event.

Oh Dongho, President of KIDI, said, “I sincerely thank Gwangju Shinsegae for their generous support for island residents and tourists who understand the value of domestic islands,” adding, “I hope that by realizing ESG management together, everyone can grow together.”

Meanwhile, KIDI declared ESG management in May to implement social value and spread sustainable management.

This signifies its commitment to becoming the world’s best specialized island research institute loved by the public by contributing to national happiness through comprehensive and systematic investigation, research, policy establishment, and promotion of island areas.

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