Jeonnam Province to Directly Register and Manage Marina Businesses Starting This Month

Transfer of Administrative Authority to Metropolitan Local Governments
Including Powers for Safety Management and Supervision

View of Mokpo Yacht Marina. Provided by Jeonnam Province

Starting from May 1, Jeonnam Province will directly handle administrative tasks related to marina businesses, including marina vessel rental, storage and mooring, and maintenance, as the authority to register and manage these businesses has been transferred from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries to the provincial government.

This measure follows the enforcement of the "Partial Amendment to the Act on the Development and Management of Marina Ports and the Comprehensive Transfer of Central Administrative Authority and Duties to Local Governments." As a result, metropolitan local governments will now directly carry out administrative tasks related to marina businesses, which had previously been handled by the local offices of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries.

Going forward, Jeonnam Province will directly process civil petitions related to marina businesses within its jurisdiction, including registration, changes, and renewals; succession of business rights and notifications of suspension or closure; receipt of terms of use; and submission of plans for the sale of storage and mooring facilities. The province will also have the authority to impose fines and take administrative actions in case of legal violations, as well as the authority to oversee and manage the safety of vessels and workers.

Park Youngchae, Director of the Oceans and Fisheries Bureau of Jeonnam Province, stated, "This transfer of authority will serve as an opportunity for us to actively implement our own marine leisure policies that reflect local characteristics and demand." He added, "We will strengthen the connection between marina facilities and businesses, and we will actively provide administrative support to make a practical contribution to revitalizing local marine tourism."

The marina business sector was institutionalized following the enactment of the "Marina Port Act" in 2015. It provides a variety of marine leisure services to marina vessel users, such as vessel rental, storage, and maintenance. Currently, a total of 56 marina businesses are operating in Jeonnam Province.