The Only Domestic Certification, Continuing the Reputation as the Best Destination for Marine Healing and Leisure Recreation
Panoramic view of Wando Myeongsashipri Beach, which has received Blue Flag certification for two consecutive years (Photo by Wando-gun)
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyungpil] Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do announced on the 2nd that Sinji Myeongsasipri Beach has obtained the Blue Flag certification for two consecutive years, the only one in Korea to do so last year as well.
On the 2nd, a Wando-gun official received the Blue Flag certificate from FEE KOREA, the domestic headquarters of the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE), at Wando-gun Office.
The Blue Flag certification is awarded to beaches that meet all requirements in four areas?safety, environmental education, water quality, and surrounding environment?covering 29 evaluation items and 137 requirements, by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE) located in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Starting in Europe in 1985 and expanding worldwide in 2001, currently beaches and marinas in 50 countries have been certified.
Sinji Myeongsasipri Beach in Wando was the only beach in Korea to receive certification last year, and Wando-gun’s efforts stood out in obtaining re-certification.
Since re-certification cannot be obtained if the certification requirements are not met due to lack of management after last year’s certification, all 137 items were thoroughly inspected, and improvements and supplements were made to meet the certification requirements.
In particular, to expand resting spaces, 15 wooden structure shops whose lease period had expired were demolished, and the site was converted into green space to upgrade the recreational environment.
The approximately 3 km deck road, popular as a trekking course, was also neatly and safely maintained.
Additionally, eco-friendly palm mats were installed to allow easy and comfortable access to the water’s edge for vulnerable tourists such as the disabled, children, and the elderly.
Myeongsasipri Beach has transformed beyond a simple water play area during the summer season into a healing space, promoting marine healing programs such as seawater pools, Nordic walking, and beach Pilates.
Especially, various exercise equipment has been installed in the large pine forest, and this summer it will be operated as Muscle Beach, a favorite spot for fitness enthusiasts nationwide.
During the beach operation period, it will be run as an optimal beach for enjoying culture and relaxation by hosting COOL concerts and bodybuilding competitions.
Furthermore, in addition to existing business items, a health food stall selling designated specific menus will be temporarily operated to satisfy the demand for healthy and diverse food, thereby enhancing vacation satisfaction.
Sin Woo-cheol, Wando-gun Governor, said, “The fact that Myeongsasipri Beach has obtained Blue Flag certification for two consecutive years proves its reputation as the best domestic resort, and it is a great achievement ahead of the 2021 Wando Visit Year promotion. We will make Sinji Myeongsasipri Beach the best leisure resort and marine healing center in Korea that attracts visitors all year round.”
Meanwhile, on the 12th of last month, Myeongsasipri Beach was selected for the 2020 Preliminary Open Tourist Site contest hosted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and a barrier-free tourism site project for vulnerable tourists will be promoted until December, aiming to obtain open tourist site certification in February 2021.
The Blue Flag raising ceremony is planned to be held in July in line with the beach opening day.
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