Wando-gun Accelerates Urban Regeneration New Deal Project in Geumil-eup

175 Billion Invested to Create Seaweed Hub Spaces, Specialized Streets, and Waterfront Parks

Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do, is accelerating the promotion of the ‘Geumil-eup Urban Regeneration Project’ after being selected in the ‘2022 Urban Regeneration New Deal Project (Specialized Regeneration Type)’ contest promoted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport at the end of last year.

According to the county on the 4th, a total project cost of 17.5 billion KRW (10.5 billion KRW from the central government, 1.75 billion KRW from the provincial government, and 5.25 billion KRW from the county) will be invested over four years starting this year to establish a seaweed 6th industry hub in Geumil-eup, which produces more than 70% of kelp nationwide, and develop tourism-linked content to expand the added value of local resources and revitalize the economy.

Aerial view of Geumil-eup, the target area of the Urban Regeneration New Deal project
[Photo by Wando-gun]

The main project includes constructing a ‘Seaweed Hub Space’ and creating the nation’s only kelp-specialized brand to raise awareness of Geumil kelp.

The ‘Seaweed Hub Space’ (tentatively named Haebim Center) will be built in Hwamok-ri, Geumil-eup, with a total floor area of 2,300㎡, housing a seaweed sales exhibition hall, a seaweed-based specialized center, and commercial facilities.

Once the ‘Seaweed Hub Space’ is established, it is expected to contribute to increasing residents’ income through added value of local resources such as kelp, as well as help create jobs and revitalize the fishing village.

The county held residents’ briefings to explain the introduced facilities and operation plans and collected residents’ opinions, and is currently undergoing public architecture review. A ‘Specialized Street’ will also be created in the Geumil-eup commercial district.

The ‘Specialized Street’ targets four key alleys near the Geumil-eup office, aiming to improve the pedestrian-centered streetscape and landscape to revitalize the deteriorated commercial area.

Currently, detailed designs have been completed through resident councils and on-site inspections, and construction is scheduled to begin in October. Upon completion, it is expected to restore the commercial district and support youth entrepreneurship and job creation.

Additionally, starting next month, home repair projects, park and parking lot construction, and CCTV installation will be promoted to improve residential conditions and village environment.

A marine waterfront park will be created along the Hwamok-ri coastline, and once the Geumil-eup office is newly built, a two-story, 50-space public parking lot will be constructed to alleviate residents’ inconvenience caused by parking issues.

A county official said, “The Geumil-eup Hwamok-ri urban regeneration project will contribute to improving the quality of life for local residents and revitalizing the economy,” adding, “Furthermore, by promoting it in connection with the marine bioindustry, our county will do its best to ensure the project plays a key role as a specialized marine bio-material supply base for seaweed in the southwestern coastal area.”

Wando = Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Kyung-pil just8440@asiae.co.kr