Gyeongnam Province Proposes Special Act for Namhaean Coast Tourism Promotion ... Towards an International Tourism Hub

Gyeongsangnam-do's 'Southern Coast Tourism Promotion Special Act' was submitted to the National Assembly on the 7th.

According to Gyeongnam Province, the so-called 'Southern Coast Special Act' was jointly proposed by 11 members of the National Assembly from the Southern Coast region, including Representative Jeong Jeom-sik.

The province explained that the Southern Coast region is considered a geopolitical key point in Northeast Asia, possessing future national core industries such as shipbuilding and aviation.

It added that the region has a pristine natural environment, including Dadohae and Hallyeohaesang National Parks, as well as high-quality historical and cultural tourism resources, making it a region with potential to develop into an international tourism hub.

Despite these conditions, limitations exist in growing into an international tourism hub due to land use restrictions such as national parks and fishery resource protection zones, and insufficient wide-area transportation systems, leading to a continuous call for the establishment of a legal basis for efficient development.

Accordingly, Gyeongnam Province announced that it promoted the Southern Coast Special Act with the aim of strengthening national competitiveness and balanced regional development through the promotion of tourism in the Southern Coast region.

Gyeongnam Provincial Government Office.
Photo by Lee Seryeong

The bill consists of a total of 62 articles, including ▲formulation of basic plans ▲support for tourism promotion such as special cases, policy projects, and financial support ▲establishment of promotion organizations ▲establishment of special accounts ▲support for investment companies.

It supports smooth implementation of development projects through easing land acquisition standards, supplying original land to activate private investment, and simplifying approval procedures through approval of integrated development plans and comprehensive reviews, including special provisions related to land use regulations to make the bill effective.

The bill also specifies the role of the state in financial support to secure state-led driving force for promotion.

Governor Park Wan-su said, “Gyeongnam Province has continuously proposed institutional improvements and policy reflections to the government to promote the development of tourism infrastructure in the Southern Coast region, while closely cooperating with Jeonnam and Busan,” adding, “Gyeongnam Province and lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties in Gyeongnam, Jeonnam, and Busan will do their best to ensure the passage of the special act.”