KMI Proposes Strategies to Enhance Coastal City Vitality Using Marine Cultural Resources

Analysis of Marine Cultural Resources
Policy Proposals to Strengthen Regional Identity and Revitalize the Economy

The Korea Maritime Institute (KMI), led by President Cho Jeonghee, has presented policy solutions to utilize marine cultural resources in coastal cities as growth engines for regional economic and cultural development through its research titled "Strategies to Enhance Coastal City Vitality Using Marine Cultural Resources."

This study focused on exploring sustainable ways to utilize marine cultural resources in connection with local communities, rather than simply preserving them. The aim is to supplement the government's "First Basic Plan for Marine Education and Marine Culture Promotion (2021-2025)," which is currently underway, by addressing the lack of a systematic survey on the current state of marine cultural resources.

Lead researcher Lee Seulgi stated, "Marine cultural resources are key elements in strengthening regional identity and urban competitiveness," adding, "They must be reinterpreted from a modern perspective and translated into practical policies."

The survey found that, on average, 27.8 marine cultural resources are distributed across each of the 74 coastal cities, counties, and districts nationwide. Gangneung and Samcheok in the East Sea region, Tongyeong and Yeosu in the South Sea region, and Ganghwa, Taean, and Shinan counties in the West Sea region were identified as representative areas with high concentrations of these resources.

Based on these findings, KMI proposed four main strategies: systematic management and utilization of resources, establishment of urban regeneration models based on marine culture, development of community participation programs, and strengthening the linkage between marine tourism and creative industries.

President Cho Jeonghee emphasized, "Marine cultural resources are valuable assets for coastal cities," and stated, "Through effective utilization, it is possible to achieve both regional economic revitalization and the strengthening of cultural identity."

Research Report Cover on Strategies to Enhance Coastal City Vitality Using Marine Cultural Resources.

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