Chungnam Province Focuses on Passing Preliminary Feasibility Study for Garorim Bay National Marine Ecological Park

Kickoff Meeting for the Project
Application for Preliminary Feasibility Study in September, Aiming for Approval Next Year

Chungnam Province held a kickoff meeting for the preliminary feasibility study response project for Garorim Bay National Ecological Park and began preparing response strategies.

Chungnam Province has officially begun efforts to have the Garorim Bay National Marine Ecological Park project, located in Seosan City and Taean County, included in national plans and to secure government funding.

On the morning of April 24, Chungnam Province held a kickoff meeting for the preliminary feasibility study response project for the Garorim Bay National Marine Ecological Park in a small conference room at the provincial government office. The meeting was attended by Vice Governor for Political Affairs Jeon Hyungsik, Seosan City Deputy Mayor Hong Soongwang, Taean County Director of Industry and Construction Kim Namyong, as well as representatives from the Korea Maritime Institute, Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation, and Chungnam Research Institute, among other relevant organizations.

This project, which will run until December next year, includes an analysis of the comprehensive development conditions of the Garorim Bay area, the detailed conceptualization of the national marine ecological park project, and a feasibility study for the establishment of the park.

Through this project, the province will conduct analyses of Garorim Bay’s natural environment, as well as its human and social environment; examine the local economy and infrastructure environment and characteristics; review the current status and plans for regional and metropolitan transportation networks; and analyze the linkage with national plans.

In addition, the project will set the vision and objectives, establish basic directions and planning indicators, develop basic concepts, and plan the spatial and facility layout. It will also refine the national marine ecological park project from the perspective of systematic conservation and sustainable use of Garorim Bay. The project will further include justification analysis, policy analysis, and an economic feasibility review.

The province aims to have Garorim Bay designated as a national marine ecological park this year, secure legal status by being listed as a World Natural Heritage site next year, and further strengthen policy and economic viability. By September, the province plans to apply for a preliminary feasibility study by the government, with the goal of passing the study next year.

Vice Governor Jeon Hyungsik stated, "Garorim Bay is a natural treasure trove of marine ecology, and it is essential to designate and establish it as a national marine ecological park for its efficient conservation and utilization. Through this project, we will develop a systematic and sustainable plan and create a well-structured strategy to successfully pass the preliminary feasibility study."

The establishment of the Garorim Bay National Marine Ecological Park aims to systematically conserve and manage the marine ecosystem of Garorim Bay and to revitalize the local area through orderly and proper use. The province envisions transforming the area into a premier ecological space where nature and people, sea and life, coexist in harmony.

Last year, the province developed a comprehensive plan to provide renewed momentum for the national marine ecological park project. The vision of this plan is "Garorim Bay National Marine Ecological Park, where the sea and life are both healthy," and it sets systematic conservation of the marine ecosystem and sustainable use as its basic directions.

Specific projects include: ▲marine ecosystem monitoring ▲tidal flat ecosystem restoration ▲reduction of coastal pollution sources ▲restoration of freshwater lake ecosystems ▲Garorim Bay ecological trail ▲ecological boat tour routes ▲West Sea tidal flat ecological park ▲spotted seal observation center. The total budget is estimated at 443.1 billion won.