Jeonnam Province to Foster Global Shipping and Ports, Strengthen Marine Ecosystem

Investment of 363 Billion KRW
75 Projects Across 6 Sectors to Be Implemented

Aerial view of Gwangyang Port Smart Port development. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do is taking steps to foster global shipping and port industries. To achieve a clean marine ecosystem, the province will invest 363 billion KRW in 75 projects across six sectors, including improving the quality of life for fishermen, constructing smart ports, expanding maritime transportation networks, establishing a marine waste management system, and systematic management of tidal flats.

According to Jeollanam-do on the 13th, in order to prevent the extinction of fishing villages entering a super-aged society and to improve living and economic conditions, the province plans to support 24.3 billion KRW for 11 projects, including general rural and fishing village development, nurturing future fishermen, and operating a fisheries management college.

Additionally, to transform Gwangyang Port, the nation's top port in import and export cargo volume, into a smart automated port, projects such as building an automated port testbed and creating the Yulchon Convergence Logistics Complex will be promoted.

To foster Mokpo Port as a key support port in the southwest region, 225.9 billion KRW will be invested in 24 projects, including the construction of an access road to Mokpo New Port and the expansion of a 50,000-ton automobile pier.

Furthermore, 43 billion KRW will be allocated to systematically foster nine locally managed ports, such as Wando Port and Ttangkkeut Port, by expanding breakwaters and berthing facilities.

To realize welfare in maritime transportation, 25.4 billion KRW will be provided to ease the living burden and improve the quality of life for island residents, through support for 1,000 KRW ferry fares, additional delivery fee subsidies for island areas, and marine transportation cost support for daily necessities.

To establish a clean marine ecosystem and a marine waste management system, 44.4 billion KRW will be invested in projects such as marine waste cleanup, management of marine protected areas, and tidal flat restoration, aiming to restore the functions of the coastal marine ecosystem.

Park Geunsik, Director of Shipping and Ports at Jeollanam-do, said, "This year, we plan to invest a total of 363 billion KRW in systematic development of shipping, ports, and marine ecosystems, to enhance the competitiveness of the local marine industry and protect the marine environment. In particular, we will focus on constructing smart ports, revitalizing coastal shipping, and cleaning up marine waste to lead sustainable marine development."

Jeollanam-do has identified eight new projects totaling 217.3 billion KRW, including the establishment of an AI marine aquaculture testbed (20 billion KRW) and support for half-price ferry fares for the general public (20 billion KRW), to address major issues in the regional marine and fisheries sector.