Official Opening of Korea Island Promotion Agency, the Nation's First Dedicated Island Institution

Inauguration Ceremony on the 8th

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The Korea Island Promotion Agency, a dedicated institution for islands, is officially opening.

On the 7th, the Ministry of the Interior and Safety announced that the launch ceremony of the Korea Island Promotion Agency will be held on the 8th at Samhakdo, Mokpo City, Jeollanam-do. The ceremony will be attended by Haeng Hae-cheol, Minister of the Interior and Safety, Kim Young-rok, Governor of Jeollanam-do, Kim Jong-sik, Mayor of Mokpo City, heads of island local governments, Oh Dong-ho, Director of the Korea Island Promotion Agency, and island residents.

The Korea Island Promotion Agency will conduct comprehensive and systematic surveys, research, policy formulation, and promotion activities targeting over 3,300 islands. It will promote ▲research and policy development related to islands ▲establishment of information systems ▲talent cultivation ▲coordination and collaboration among policies and projects of different ministries ▲public relations to the general public.

The Ministry of the Interior and Safety expects that with the full operation of the Korea Island Promotion Agency, island policies and projects, which were previously dispersed across various ministries, will be effectively coordinated and linked, thereby enhancing the outcomes of policies and projects. Additionally, through analysis and diagnosis of island conditions and research, the agency plans to explore long-term development by presenting new visions and directions for islands.

The Korea Island Promotion Agency operates with a staff of 35 across three offices and eight teams, including the Management Support Office, Planning and Research Office, and Promotion Project Management Office, and plans to expand to about 50 members after organizational stabilization. In particular, the agency will run 'regional dedicated departments' to implement region-specific customized policies and projects reflecting the voices of residents.

The Korea Island Promotion Agency, located at Samhakdo in Mokpo City, Jeollanam-do, occupies a three-story building renovated from the former Mokpo Port Workers' Union building. To promote the agency in conjunction with the launch ceremony, an ‘SNS event’ and a ‘slogan contest’ will be held respectively.

Minister Haeng said, “With the launch of the Korea Island Promotion Agency, we expect it to play a significant role in presenting a vision for island development and improving the lives of island residents,” adding, “The Ministry of the Interior and Safety will spare no support to ensure the sustainable development of Korea’s islands together with the agency.”