Buan County Launches 'Gyeokpo Tourism Development Project'... Leaps Toward a 'Stay-Type Tourism Hub'

Buan County announced that it has completed all administrative approval procedures for the Gyeokpo Large-Scale Tourism Development Project, its flagship private investment attraction initiative, and will begin full-scale construction this month.

The Gyeokpo Large-Scale Tourism Development Project will be carried out in the Mapo-ri area of Byeonsan-myeon, with a total project cost of 122.1 billion won. The project will include the construction of an 18-hole golf course and a 67-room tourism hotel, and will be entirely funded by private capital.

Aerial perspective of the large-scale tourism development project in Gyeokpo, Buan County. Provided by Buan County.

This project was launched in earnest with the announcement of the recruitment of private operators in September 2020.

Subsequently, in April 2024, the strategic environmental impact assessment (main report) was completed, securing momentum for the project's advancement. In June of the same year, the project passed the joint committee review of Buan County, and by August, the decision and public announcement for the Byeonsan District Tourism and Recreation Zoning Plan had been finalized.

Follow-up procedures to enhance the completeness of the project have also proceeded without delay.

In April 2025, the zoning plan was further refined through a public announcement of its amendment, and in July, approval was obtained for the tourism accommodation business (tourism hotel), laying the groundwork for the construction of lodging facilities.

Then, in January of this year, consultations on the environmental impact assessment (main report) were concluded, and in February, all necessary administrative approvals were finalized, including approval of the business plan for the sports facility required for the golf course. This has enabled the project to enter its main phase.

This project is expected to become a decisive turning point, transforming Buan's tourism paradigm beyond the mere construction of tourism facilities.

Buan, previously considered just a "passing tourist destination," is set to emerge as a true "stay-type tourism hub" that combines accommodation, leisure, and recreation through this project.

In particular, the new golf course will be designed to fully utilize the pristine marine landscapes of Byeonsan-Gyeokpo in Buan.

Golfers will be able to enjoy rounds against the backdrop of the expansive West Sea and take in the stunning red sunsets, offering an unrivaled view that is expected to captivate both domestic and international golfers.

This integrated tourism infrastructure, featuring a golf course that captures the beauty of the West Sea and a premium tourism hotel, is projected to become a new landmark representing Buan.

Kwon Ikhyeon, Governor of Buan County, stated, "This project will inject vitality into the local economy and become a future growth engine to overcome the crisis of regional depopulation. We will actively support the project so that it leads to tangible regional benefits such as an increase in the resident population and the creation of quality jobs."

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