Wando County Accelerates Rural New Vitality Project with Focus on Healing Industry Platform Construction

Full-Scale Implementation for Rural Healing Industry Platform
Developing Products Using Loquat and Abalone Resources

Wando County in South Jeolla Province has entered the full-scale implementation phase to generate results from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs' "Rural New Vitality Plus Project."

According to Wando County on August 18, the county plans to establish the "Wando-type Rural Healing Industry Platform," which was selected as a public project in 2021, by investing a total of 7 billion won (4.9 billion won from the national government and 2.1 billion won from the county budget) by 2026.

Wando County plans to establish the "Wando-type Rural Healing Industry Platform" by investing a total of 7 billion won by 2026. Photo by Wando County

After receiving approval for its master plan in October 2022, the county has focused on creating hubs that connect local tangible and intangible resources with resident organizations, as well as nurturing talent. So far, 219 people have completed the "New Vitality Plus Capacity Building Academy," and five local activist groups have been incorporated. In addition, six social economy organizations and nine non-social economy organizations have been newly identified.

Product development based on local specialties is also underway. Research results on the antioxidant, antidiabetic, and anticoagulant properties of loquat leaf extract-a representative agricultural product of Wando-were submitted to a domestic academic journal. Based on these findings, six types of loquat confectionery and two types of beverages were developed. These products underwent tasting tests at cafes in Wando and Gwangju and are scheduled to be sold at the hub center currently under construction.

Terrarium kits and household goods made from abalone shells were exhibited at the "2024 ESG Eco-Friendly Expo" in June. The county plans to link these products to experiential content as well.

Local activists have also achieved results in upgrading products. A flavor essence (seasoning sauce) made from Wando's agricultural specialties has been patented and successfully launched through crowdfunding. The product has expanded its domestic and international sales channels by being listed on online marketplaces such as Qoo10 Japan, Naver Store, and Coupang.

The Wando Rural Healing Industry Hub Center is currently being constructed on the site of a closed school in Bulmok-ri, Gunoe-myeon, Wando County. Construction began at the end of last year and is progressing smoothly, with completion targeted for the end of this year.

A Wando County official stated, "Through a healing industry model that brings together the public and private sectors, we aim to establish a new foundation for rural growth and create a sustainable regional economic structure."

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