Shin Woo-cheol, Wando County Governor, "Will Actively Promote Wando Public Library"

Expressing Regret Over Slow Progress in Land Acquisition Discussions

Full Effort to Secure Land... Plans Include Donation, 1 Billion KRW Support Considering Accessibility

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Jun-kyung] The construction of Wando Public Library, which will enhance the educational and cultural level of Wando residents, is expected to accelerate.

Shin Woo-cheol, the governor of Wando County, presented the direction for promoting the construction of Wando Public Library in an interview with Asia Economy at 11 a.m. on the 1st, promising, “We will actively promote the construction of public libraries in the Wando area.”

First, Governor Shin expressed regret that discussions on securing land for the public library construction have not progressed at a rapid pace.

Governor Shin said, “Wando County plans to donate land and provide 1 billion KRW to build the Wando Public Library. However, considering accessibility, securing the site is not easy, so we are currently deliberating on site selection.”

He added, “Although several locations have been mentioned for the site, considering the unique characteristics of a public library where accessibility is important, we will select the most efficient location. The priority is what is most helpful to the residents.”

On the 21st of last month, Governor Shin met with Seo Jang-pil, the Wando Education Superintendent, to hold an education policy council and discussed alternatives to population extinction and educational autonomy cooperation zones. At that meeting, Governor Shin promised to propose ordinances for student enrollment congratulatory support, support for school-related projects, and promotion of the public library.

Governor Shin stated, “There have been many complaints about inconvenient transportation to the Wando County Library, so there are plans to relocate it, but securing land there is also difficult. Securing additional land is urgent, and various measures are being considered.”

Opened in 1995, the Wando County Library operates three public libraries including Geumil Library and ten privately led small libraries.

Governor Shin asserted, “Unlike in the past, the role of libraries should not be simply spaces for reading books but should function as complex cultural spaces. We plan to establish the county and public libraries so that various educational and cultural experiences can be had.”

He further explained, “The complex cultural space will be utilized as seminar rooms, auditoriums, and lifelong learning spaces in addition to the existing library functions. We are also considering the possibility of a children’s library and kids caf?.”

In particular, he proposed alternatives to overcome the regional extinction crisis through customized education and to carry out regional linkage projects through marine healing.

Governor Shin emphasized, “Many people visit Wando for marine healing, but there is a shortage of resorts and hotels, limiting accommodation options. We will do our best to overcome the regional extinction crisis by providing customized educational services linked to marine healing.”