Sinan, Jeonnam Selected for "Youth Sea Village" Development

Selected for Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries Project
Support for Housing and Settlement of Returning Fishermen

Plan for the Youth Sea Village to be established in Imja-myeon, Sinan. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Jeonnam Province announced on April 24, 2025, that Sinan County has been selected for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ new “2025 Youth Sea Village Development Project.” Sinan County was recognized for its excellent location and feasibility in this project, which aims to attract young people to fishing villages and revitalize the local community.

The “Youth Sea Village Development Project” was introduced to encourage young people to settle in fishing villages and to establish sustainable sea villages that harmonize with the local community. This nationwide competition for local governments was conducted through a rigorous process, including document review, on-site evaluation, and a comprehensive expert assessment.

To secure selection for the “Youth Sea Village Development Project,” Jeonnam Province continuously highlighted the unique appeal and necessity of attracting the project to Sinan County after the 2024 project briefing, and actively supported advance consulting with expert advisors for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

In Sinan County, multiple briefings were held with the fishing village association and residents, and efforts were made such as amending the association’s bylaws to provide a legal basis for various benefits for young residents, including support for fisheries subsidy programs, provision of rental fishing vessels, and access to fishing grounds. These efforts led to the successful outcome.

Imja-myeon in Sinan, where the “Youth Sea Village” will be established, has active fishing village associations centered around Hawuri Port and Jinri Port. A preliminary demand survey was conducted for young returnees, and the most preferred housing types and sizes were analyzed to create a residential complex centered on townhouses.

In addition, community and cultural facilities will be designed so that not only young residents but also local community members can use them. The project will be operated as a community model where young people and local residents interact, supporting young people to settle quickly.