Forum Held for Successful Establishment of the East Coast Marine Ecology Hub, 'Homibando National Marine Garden'

Sharing Vision for Future Marine Tourism Resource Hub Spaces: Sea, Forest, Humanities, and History

Exploring Roles for Future Economic Growth Utilizing Pristine Marine Scenery and Forest Resources

Pohang City held the "Homibando National Marine Garden Development Vision Forum."

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Dongguk Lee] Pohang City, Gyeongbuk, held the ‘Homibando National Marine Garden Creation Vision Forum’ on the 30th at the POSCO International Hall’s international conference room to successfully establish the ‘Homibando National Marine Garden,’ which will develop the marine ecosystem into a future marine tourism resource, revitalize the local economy, and drive job creation.

This forum was organized to enhance understanding and spread public consensus about the ‘Homibando National Marine Garden’ project underway in the Homibando area of Guryongpo-eup, Donghae-myeon, Janggi-myeon, and Homigot-myeon, aiming to realize ▲a healthy marine environment ▲marine ecology and humanities education hubs ▲and sustainable economic growth.

While listening to experts’ opinions on the vision for the future ‘Homibando National Marine Garden’ to establish itself as a ‘Donghaean marine ecology hub’ where forests, sea, humanities, and history harmonize, a foundation was laid for it to be recognized as a successful ‘National Marine Garden.’

Mayor Kangdeok Lee stated, “The Homibando National Marine Garden will not only expand the garden concept, which has been limited to terrestrial areas, to the marine environment but will also actively seek ways to successfully establish it as a central pillar of future regional economic growth by utilizing the abundant forest resources and coastal landscapes of the Homibando area.”

The ‘Homibando National Marine Garden Creation Project’ plans to invest 173 billion KRW (120 billion KRW national funds, 53 billion KRW local funds) over five years from 2023 to 2027 to preserve and utilize the excellent marine ecosystem in the Homibando area by creating marine ecology and educational spaces.

Since 2020, the city has held several resident briefings and expert advisory meetings related to the ‘Homibando National Marine Garden Creation Project,’ completed the basic plan establishment service after the final report meeting in April, and applied to the Ministry of Economy and Finance last month on the 26th as a preliminary feasibility study target project.

The selection decision is expected to be made in November.