Wando-gun Secures 10 Billion KRW by Being Selected for the 'Marine Healing' Strategic Project Competition

Published 26 Oct.2023 10:00(KST)

Expansion of Stay-Type Facilities Near the Marine Healing Center

Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, has secured a total project cost of 10 billion KRW, including 5 billion KRW in provincial funding, after its "Healing Hae (海) Wando Project" was selected in the "2024 Jeonnam-type Regional Growth Strategy Project (Phase II)" competition, which fosters and supports key growth-driving projects for the future in Jeollanam-do.

According to the county on the 26th, this project aims to establish Wando as a marine healing hub by expanding stay-type facilities near the Wando Marine Healing Center?the first of its kind in Korea, scheduled to open in mid-next month?and providing tourists with various attractions and food, thereby combining healing and tourism.

Project site in Sinji-myeon <br>Photo by Wando-gun

Project site in Sinji-myeon
Photo by Wando-gun

The main components of the project include creating a pilotis-style "Healing Pool House" at the No. 1 parking lot of Sinji Myeongsasimni Beach to operate healing food experience classes, replacing the aging caravans at the existing auto camping site, and establishing a glamping site to attract stay-type tourists.

A "Healing Rest Area" will also be developed near the marine healing center’s nearby forest, featuring an "Earthing" barefoot walking trail and a "Forest Library."

Additionally, a night market, LED exhibition space, and photo zones will be created to offer various nighttime attractions.

Every month, a "Marine Healing Day" will be designated to conduct a "plogging" program?light jogging while picking up trash?to promote health and preserve the environment of Sinji Myeongsasimni Beach, a pristine beach.

Moreover, transportation-linked products such as the "Healing Hae (海) Bus" and railway travel will be operated to improve accessibility.

The county plans to proceed with the project by discussing detailed plans with expert advisors and consulting firms.

County Governor Shin Woo-cheol said, "Once the Marine Healing Center opens and the marine healing industry gets on track, many people will visit Wando to heal their body and mind," adding, "We will do our best to promote the project so that Wando can leap forward as a hub linking marine healing and wellness tourism."