Creating Multipurpose Spaces Targeting the MZ Generation
Boseong County in Jeollanam-do has completed improvements to the design of the Yulpo Marine Complex Center, preparing to become the hub of marine leisure tourism on Korea's southern coast. Through innovative spatial composition and efficient design, the center is expected to transform into a vibrant marine leisure attraction all year round.
◇ Advancing into a State-of-the-Art Marine Leisure Facility... Strengthening International Competitiveness
The Yulpo Marine Complex Center is a large-scale marine leisure facility being developed within the Yulpo Tourist Site in Hoecheon-myeon, Boseong County, with a total project cost of 48.4 billion KRW and a target completion date of 2026.
The county has added enhancements to the original design to maximize space utilization and strengthen structures to respond to climate change, accelerating the establishment of a sustainable marine tourism foundation.
With this design revision, the total area remains at 9,046.62 square meters (basement level 1 to above-ground level 5), but the highest floor has increased from 4 to 5, expanding the floor area ratio and improving spatial efficiency. In particular, marine sports facilities focused on surfing and diving have been strengthened, and stylish lounge and experience spaces targeting the MZ generation have been significantly expanded.
◇ Maximizing Space Efficiency... Expanding Specialized Surfing and Diving Facilities
The core of the design change is the significant expansion of surfing and diving facilities. The existing outdoor pool on the first floor has been eliminated, and the indoor surfing area has been expanded to three lines with a width of up to 12 meters, greatly increasing simultaneous capacity.
Additionally, the mechanical and electrical rooms previously located in the basement have been relocated above ground to minimize the risk of rising groundwater levels and tidal damage in coastal areas, while also improving maintenance efficiency.
The lounge area for surfing spectators has also been improved. The indoor water play area, previously on the second floor, will be moved to the third floor and developed into a "multipurpose lounge cafe space," transforming into a complex relaxation area where visitors can enjoy watching surfing and diving. On the fourth floor, an underwater studio and book cafe will be established, operating as a multidimensional experience space combining marine leisure and cultural content.
◇ Establishing Itself as a Year-Round Marine Leisure Destination
The Yulpo Marine Complex Center is expected to become not just a simple marine leisure facility, but a year-round hub for marine tourism. The county plans to link the project with the Yulpo Promenade development, creating an outdoor plaza usable in all seasons, and adding unique content such as a busking performance stage and a "bulmeong" (fire pit) area to increase visitor stay time.
In particular, the most noteworthy facility will be the diving pool on the fifth floor. With a depth of 41.5 meters (34m x 13m), it will be the deepest pool in Korea and the nation's first dedicated professional diving space, designed for everyone from beginners to experts. In addition, a professional education and experience system linked to the diving lounge will be operated, and facilities such as an equipment storage room, training room, and freediving area will also be provided, offering the best training environment for divers from Korea and abroad.
Kim Cheolwoo, the county governor, said, "The Yulpo Marine Complex Center will become a landmark for marine leisure on Korea's southern coast," adding, "We will enhance space utilization and content competitiveness to foster it as a destination visited year-round by various tourists, including the MZ generation."
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