Three Islands in Jeonnam Selected for Specialization Project, Expected to Improve Residents' Living Conditions

Jangji Village on Geumodo, Sado in Hwajeong-myeon, and Deokchon Village on Geomundo in Yeosu
Four-phase support over nine years... Residents to develop their own development plans

Scenic view of Geomundaegyo Bridge. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province announced on July 22 that among four islands nationwide, three islands in Yeosu?Jangji Village on Geumodo, Sado, and Deokchon Village on Geomundo?have been selected for the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's "2026 Island Area Specialization Project."

This initiative is expected to greatly improve the living conditions of island residents by expanding region-specific living infrastructure.

The specialization project aims to create sustainable island villages. Over a nine-year period, it will provide support in four phases, ensuring autonomy for island residents to form their own organizations. Residents will be able to develop development plans tailored to the unique characteristics of their islands and pursue projects directly linked to income generation.

The selected villages will each implement a variety of specialization projects suited to their local conditions. Jangji Village on Geumodo will develop high value-added products using hijiki; Sado will operate a village hotel that connects dinosaur footprints with the village landscape; and Deokchon Village on Geomundo will develop fillet-type products using Spanish mackerel. These projects will create resident-participatory spaces that utilize the islands' history and resources.

Jeonnam Province plans to transform the islands from places where residents merely "endure living" to islands that offer "compelling reasons to stay." While the administration will play a central role, the strategy is to enhance both the sustainability and on-the-ground impact of policies by establishing a structure where residents participate in planning and take the lead.

Park Taegun, Director of the Island and Marine Policy Division of Jeonnam Province, stated, "This project is not about outward development, but about designing a foundation that allows islands to sustain themselves. Through a self-reliant settlement model created by both the administration and residents, Jeonnam will take the lead in realizing sustainable and livable islands."

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