Jeonnam Province to Invest 65.9 Billion Won in Island Development Projects

Fostering 79 Village Enterprises in 9 Cities and Counties
Establishing Foundations to Improve Living Conditions and Increase Residents' Income

A view of Gohung Sayanggyo Bridge, created as part of the island comprehensive development project. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeollanam-do will invest 65.9 billion KRW this year in the Island Comprehensive Development Project, targeting 79 islands in 9 cities and counties, to improve living conditions, increase residents' income, and establish the foundation for welfare facilities in island regions.

The main projects include: ▲income increase and job creation such as fostering village enterprises, specialty product direct sales stores, and shared workplaces ▲fisheries infrastructure such as docks, breakwaters, and wharves ▲cultural and welfare facilities such as resident shelters, welfare centers, and community centers ▲improvement of transportation conditions such as bridges connecting islands, ferry construction, and passenger terminal waiting rooms.

This year's new projects include the repair of the passenger ship docking facility on Gaedo in Yeosu, the construction of a wharf on Jukdo in Goheung, the opening of an access road to the Mokseom fishing ground on Jangdo in Boseong, the Songi Village living improvement package project on Songido in Yeonggwang, and the construction of a new waiting room on Deokudo in Wando for Saengil.

The Island Comprehensive Development Project is a 10-year development plan for designated islands. Starting with the first plan in 1988, the fourth Island Comprehensive Development Plan (2018-2027) is currently underway.

Of the 371 islands nationwide targeted for development, 215, or 58%, are in Jeollanam-do. The project budget for the fourth development period is 726.2 billion KRW, accounting for 49% of the national total of 1.4972 trillion KRW.

Park Taegun, Director of the Island Marine Policy Division of Jeollanam-do, said, "We will identify and address blind spots in island management to ensure that residents can live safely and comfortably by improving basic infrastructure."