Seeking Ways to Develop and Revitalize Tourism at Jinyangho Zoo
Jo Kyu-il, Mayor of Jinju, Gyeongnam, Baek Seunghung, Chairman of Jinju City Council, and the Jinyangho Zoo International Exchange Delegation visited Singapore, where they met with the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Singapore, the National Parks Board of Singapore, and the Singapore Zoo to discuss ways to revitalize Jinyangho Zoo and promote the spread of garden city culture through exchanges.
On the 7th, Mayor Jo Kyu-il and the Jinju City delegation visited the National Parks Board of Singapore and met with Tan Puay Yok, Chief Executive of the National Parks Board, and its management team. During the meeting, they discussed activities to promote the spread of a popular garden culture reflecting Jinju's unique identity throughout the city, as well as future exchanges between Singapore and Jinju City based on Singapore's five strategic goals as a "City in Nature": ▲Conservation and expansion of nature ▲Making gardens and parks more natural ▲Restoring nature in urban landscapes ▲Strengthening connectivity between green spaces ▲Enhancing animal management.
In addition, they introduced the world-renowned rare plant "Jinju Bawisol" native to Jinju, and requested a visit to the "2025 Korea Garden Industry Expo" to be held in Jinju during the 11th International Congress on Education in Botanic Gardens in Korea this June, further discussing possibilities for future exchanges.
On the 8th, the Jinyangho Zoo International Exchange Delegation visited the Singapore Zoo, a world-renowned attraction that opened in 1973, covering 280,000 square meters and home to over 300 species and 2,800 animals.
Mayor Jo met with the management of Mandai Wildlife Group (hereafter Mandai Group), which operates major zoos in Singapore such as Singapore Zoo, River Wonders, Night Safari, and Bird Paradise. He explained the plans for the expansion and relocation of Jinyangho Zoo, and discussed exchanging advanced practices with Mandai Group, which has fostered world-class animal protection and rescue teams, as well as exploring ways to expand the tourism industry to revitalize Jinyangho Zoo.
Regarding this exchange with Singapore, Mayor Jo stated, "Jinyangho Zoo is the only public zoo in Gyeongnam, southern Korea. Through this visit, we will work together with zoos that have advanced practices to protect and conserve animal species. Beyond simply achieving animal welfare through expansion and relocation, we will seek ways to coexist harmoniously with various life forms," adding, "We will also examine tourism industry know-how so that it leads to revitalization of the local economy."
He also said, "Jinju is a city with the Namgang River flowing through its center, and wherever you step outside your door, you find rivers, mountains, parks, and green spaces. Through exchanges with Singapore, a symbolic garden city, we will brighten the future of Jinju as a garden city."
Chairman Baek Seunghung commented, "The city council is already paying attention to Singapore's excellent practices," adding, "We need to seriously consider ways to improve parks in connection with urban regeneration by utilizing waterfront spaces near the city center."
He continued, "Along with discovering innovative policies, we will provide full support for the designation of Wolasan Forest Jinju National Garden, which is a key city administration task, and for the successful expansion and relocation of Jinyangho Zoo."
Meanwhile, on the 6th, following the "Jinju Dream Strawberry Special Sales Event" and Jinju specialty product promotion held at a local store in Singapore, a meeting was also held with export buyers to expand fresh agricultural exports. During the meeting, two strawberry export agreements totaling $1.5 million were signed between local major agricultural distributors (HUPCO, Banchoon Marketing), Sugok Agricultural Cooperative export group, and Jinju Agricultural Co., Ltd., demonstrating that Jinju City's ongoing efforts to promote the Jinju brand are resulting in increased exports.
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