Jeonnam Province Focuses on Resolving Inconveniences and Difficulties for Residents of 25 Remote Islands

Establishment of a Five-Year Plan
Focusing on Accessibility and Inflow of Resident Population

Distribution of remote islands in Jeonnam region. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do announced on the 13th that, with the enforcement of the "Special Act on Support for Remote Islands on the Outskirts of National Territory such as Ulleungdo and Heuksando" on the 17th, it will establish policies that residents can truly feel, aimed at revitalizing 25 of the nation's most remote islands in five cities and counties, including Geomundo, Donggeochado, and Gageodo.

The "Special Act on Remote Islands" was promoted to provide a legal basis for supporting the stabilization of residents' lives and improving their quality of life in areas with geographical and historical uniqueness at the farthest edges of the national territory. Of the 43 islands nationwide, 25 are in Jeollanam-do. By city and county, there are 3 in Yeosu, 4 in Yeonggwang, 1 in Wando, 6 in Jindo, and 11 in Shinan.

With the specific scope of the remote islands on the outskirts of the national territory now confirmed by the special act, Jeollanam-do will launch a five-year development plan for these islands in the first half of this year to promote sustainable development and improve settlement conditions. In addition, the province plans to continuously propose new projects and regulatory improvements for remote island residents to the central government.

The development strategy tasks for remote islands will include: ▲Enhancing the safety and vitality of residents' lives ▲Improving accessibility and guaranteeing basic mobility rights ▲Expanding support for population inflow and settlement ▲Establishing a foundation for the islands' future sustainable development.

Park Taegun, Director of the Island and Marine Policy Division of Jeollanam-do, said, "We will incorporate practical measures into the development plan to improve the quality of life for residents who safeguard the remote islands on the outskirts of the national territory."