Shinan-gun Opens Korea's Largest Clam and Sea Snail Museum

1004 Museum Park Emerges as a Hub for Marine Tourism

Shinan County has opened the country's largest clam and sea snail specialized museum at Jaeundo 1004 Museum Park. (Photo by Shinan County)

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Ki-woon] The 1004 Island Sinan County (Governor Park Woo-ryang) announced on the 10th that it opened the country's largest clam and sea snail specialized museum on Jaeundo Island's 1004 Museum Park on the 7th.

The event proceeded in the order of expressing gratitude to donors, appointing honorary directors, and tape cutting. Although it was held simply due to concerns about the spread of COVID-19, it became a meaningful event with sincere congratulations from the attendees.

The 'World Clam Museum' is housed in a building resembling a lily clam with a floor area of 975㎡, featuring an interesting production that feels like exploring marine life. It exhibits over 11,000 mysterious clam and sea snail specimens and clam craftworks from around the world, creating a space for education and cultural arts.

The exhibition hall consists of two themed halls. Hall 1 allows visitors to directly see the mysterious and splendid world of clams and sea snails, including endangered species such as the trumpet sea snail, the world's largest Austrian trumpet sea snail, and the cowrie sea snail, which was used as currency since ancient times.

Hall 2, under the theme 'Humans and Clams and Sea Snails,' interestingly presents the relationship between humans and clams from prehistoric shell mounds to modern clam crafts. Photo zones hidden throughout provide visitors with memorable experiences.

The opening of the museum was greatly aided by the donation of 7,735 clam and sea snail specimens and exhibition production advice from Lim Yang-su, director of the Ttangkkeut Marine Natural History Museum. At the opening ceremony, a plaque of appreciation and an honorary director appointment certificate were awarded.

Director Lim Yang-su said, "I was impressed by Sinan County's relentless efforts to protect the tidal flat ecosystem, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve," and donated most of his clam and sea snail specimens to Sinan County.

Sinan County plans to raise awareness of the mysterious marine ecosystem and the importance of environmental protection by opening the World Clam Museum in the 1004 Museum Park, which embraces the clean sea.

Yoon Yeol-su, president of the Korea Museum Association, who attended the opening ceremony, said, "I knew about Sinan County's one island one museum policy and really wanted to attend the event," and added, "I was moved by Sinan County's efforts in culture and arts and was thrilled by the birth of the beautiful World Clam Museum."

With the opening of the World Clam Museum, the '1004 Museum Park' operates the Sea Recreation Forest Park, 1004 Island Su-seok Art Museum, Su-seok Garden, and Sinan Shrimp Orchid Exhibition Hall, providing tourists with more diverse attractions.

The 1004 Museum Park will charge an admission fee of 10,000 KRW for adults starting from the 11th, and during a special promotional period, part of the admission fee will be given as Sinan gift certificates.