Jeonnam Province Secures Most Selections Nationwide in Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' Rural and Fishing Village Development Project

Goheung Dongil, Wando Bogildo, Jangheung Hoejin, and Two Other Sites Selected
Securing 24.5 Billion Won and Launching Full-Scale Improvements for Sustainable Living Conditions

A view of Oujeong, a convenience facility for residents in Bogil-myeon, Wando County. Provided by Jeonnam Province

On June 5, Jeonnam Province announced that four sites?Goheung Dongil, Wando Bogildo, Jangheung Hoejin, and Shinan Daegwang?were selected for the regional unit of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' "2026 General Rural and Fishing Village Development Project." In addition, one site in Jangheung was selected for regional capacity building, securing a total project budget of 24.5 billion won.

The General Rural and Fishing Village Development Project aims to increase the income and basic living standards of fishing village residents, improve living environments in fishing communities, create income-generating facilities using local infrastructure, and revitalize the local economy.

The five selected sites were highly evaluated for feasibility and sustainability, based on plans that reflect the characteristics of local resources and the needs of residents.

The Goheung Dongil area has set "creating a safe and enjoyable place to live" as its core goal. To address the lack of shared community spaces in the township, the plan is to establish the Eoullim Center, a complex cultural space where people of all ages and visitors can come together, thereby strengthening residential conditions.

The Jangheung Hoejin area aims to improve residential conditions in response to the aging population in fishing villages. Initiatives such as renovating the "Warm Community Center" and the "House That Gently Embraces" will enhance residents' convenience. Taking advantage of its status as the nation's largest octopus production area, the plan includes establishing a Youth Octopus Research Lab and a public reading room, creating an integrated cultural space for all generations.

The Wando Bogildo area proposed an "open community zone" that embraces a diverse population, including young and middle-aged adults, multicultural families, and returning residents. The plan is to realize an integrated model that supports all generations by building a cultural welfare center and a village square led by residents.

The Shinan Daegwang area aims to create a fishing village that people want to visit and live in, establishing a happy village enjoyed by both residents and tourists.

Since these new projects will be carried out in phases over the next five years, Jeonnam Province plans to work with cities and counties to develop annual master plans and maximize project effectiveness through regular evaluations and monitoring.

Jangheung, selected in the regional capacity building category, will prepare to discover new projects for the 2027 rural and fishing village development initiative and to train local leaders.

Park Geunsik, Director of Shipping and Ports at Jeonnam Province, said, "Being selected for this project is further recognition of the potential of Jeonnam's fishing villages. We will do our utmost to enhance the region's self-reliance and transform fishing villages into places where people want to stay."

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