Park Jiwon Takes Proactive Steps to Address Local Issues

Park Ji-won Listens to Residents' Voices and
Works to Resolve Local Issues in Haenam, Wando, and Jindo

Park Ji-won, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea representing Haenam, Wando, and Jindo in South Jeolla Province, has been attending various events in his constituency to listen to residents' opinions and continue efforts to resolve local issues.

Since the 8th, Park has participated in a range of local events, including a visit to encourage participants at the National Rally Urging the Impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol, a special lecture by a distinguished guest at the Wando Cultural Center, a status report on the suspension of the Neopdo-Ttangkkeut passenger ferry service, the Munnae-myeon Saebom Saegimchi Festival, and the Jindo County Chief's Cup National Jokgu Tournament, gathering requests from residents. He also enhanced communication by reporting interim progress on existing civil complaints to the community.

Democratic Party lawmaker Jiwon Park is listening to residents' opinions and continuing efforts to resolve current issues. Photo by Jiwon Park's office

On the 11th, Park stated, "We are currently in discussions with the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and South Jeolla Province to adjust the large-scale fleet fishing ban zones in the coastal anchovy fishing grounds of Wando Cheongsando and Jindo Jodomeon," adding, "We are pursuing measures to prevent overfishing by large-scale fleets such as purse seine vessels and to protect local coastal fishermen."

He further explained that the adjustment process is underway in cooperation with the provincial and county governments through the Fisheries Adjustment Committee under the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and that revising the enforcement ordinance is also being considered as a fundamental solution.

To facilitate the smooth sale of Jindo green onions, Park held a meeting with the heads of three local agricultural cooperatives, seeking solutions to their difficulties. He said, "Jindo green onions are among the best in the country in terms of taste and aroma, but due to last year's unusually high temperatures, growth has been slow and shipments have been delayed, making urgent countermeasures necessary." He added, "Nonghyup Economic Holdings and the three Jindo agricultural cooperatives are promoting an interest-free loan program worth 5 billion KRW and are discussing support measures such as a 100 million KRW sales promotion fund and discount events."

To address the inconvenience caused by the reduction in passenger ferry service between Neopdo Island and Haenam Ttangkkeut, Park coordinated with the Mokpo Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries to prepare alternative measures. As a result, it was decided to add one more daily trip of the "Seom Sarang 8" ferry on the Neopdo-Nohwa (Imok Port) route, with additional increases to be considered if necessary.

In addition, during the peak shipping season for laver and abalone in March and April, the county plans to urgently deploy a cargo vessel twice daily. Furthermore, ongoing discussions are being held to resume the most urgent 7:45 AM Neopdo-Ttangkkeut service, including deploying substitute vessels and nighttime operations.

In this regard, the Mokpo Regional Office of Oceans and Fisheries announced that it is also considering various measures, such as the possible cancellation of licenses for shipping companies that have suspended operations.

To resume the 200 million KRW cultural heritage preservation grant for the Cheongsan Nonbaemi Gudeuljang in Wando, Park reported that discussions are underway with the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. He explained, "The ministry also recognizes the importance of preserving the Nonbaemi Gudeuljang, which is registered as a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System. Although the Ministry of Economy and Finance cut the budget this year, inclusion in next year's budget is being positively considered." He added that his office will continue efforts to enable support within this year, even before next year's budget is finalized.

Park stated that he will continue to spare no effort to resolve local issues through ongoing communication with residents.