Haenam "Citizens' Day" Event Draws Over 1,000 Residents and Expatriates

Governor Myun Hyungwan Declares Vision for "Haenam, the Capital of Rural Korea" and a "Prosperous Haenam"

On May 1, Haenam County in South Jeolla Province (Governor Myun Hyungwan) announced its vision for the future of Haenam as the "Capital of Rural Korea" at the 51st Haenam Citizens' Day event, attended by over 1,000 residents and expatriates. The county also pledged to focus its administrative capabilities on realizing this vision.

According to the county, the commemorative ceremony was moved indoors from its original outdoor location due to rain. However, with citizens from all 14 towns and townships and members of the Haenam Expatriates' Association in attendance, the event became a meaningful occasion to reaffirm a strong commitment to Haenam's future development.

In his commemorative speech, Governor Myun Hyungwan stated, "From being the first in the nation to provide a farmers' allowance to attracting the National Institute of Agricultural Food and Climate Change Response, the largest national institution in Haenam, the path Haenam has walked has become a new chapter in the history of Korea's agriculture, fisheries, and rural communities. Building on this pride, we now aim to move forward with the vision of 'Haenam, the Capital of Rural Korea.'"

Haenyeongun County Mayor Myunhyungwan is delivering a commemorative speech at the Haenyeongun Citizens' Day event. Photo by Haenyeongun County

Governor Myun first presented the vision of a "prosperous Haenam," where advanced industries and agriculture coexist as the dual engines of future growth, as the core of Haenam's role as the capital of rural Korea. He also explained that Haenam's vibrant local economy, exemplified by the Haenam Sarang Gift Certificate, which has grown to be the largest in the county, represents a "Haenam where people want to live." Additionally, he highlighted the "Haenam where people enjoy living," characterized by a well-developed transportation network and balanced development across all 14 towns and townships, as the future of the rural capital, drawing agreement from the attendees.

In particular, Governor Myun shared details about his visit to the United States in February, where he signed a memorandum of understanding to establish the world's largest AI supercluster hub in Haenam by 2030. He emphasized that Haenam is now being recognized as the optimal location to rapidly revitalize Korea's AI industry. He also noted that the creation of the AI supercluster hub cannot be achieved by the county and South Jeolla Province alone, and pledged to work to ensure that it becomes a key national project and a campaign pledge of the next administration.

Governor Myun stated, "The unprecedented achievements of the 7th and 8th civilian administrations are the result of years of hard work, driven by the determination to turn stony fields into fertile land. These efforts are now bearing tangible fruit."

The Citizens' Day ceremony, held under the theme "A New Haenam, Dreaming and Building Together in Unity," included commemorative events reaffirming the commitment of residents and expatriates to the county's development, as well as an awards ceremony recognizing those who contributed to the advancement of county administration.

This year, the Haenam Citizen Award was presented to expatriate Ryu Kyungrok, and 47 individuals who contributed to the development of the local community were also honored. Singer Choo Hyukjin of "Mr. Trot," YouTuber and fitness farmer Kim Kyungjin, and marathoner clown Lee Younggil were appointed as Haenam County PR ambassadors. In addition, a donation ceremony was held for hometown love contributions from the Palgonghoe celebrity golf team, singer Miss Kim, expatriates Oh Juil and Lim Yeonsik, and the Jae Do-cheong Haenam County Expatriates' Association.

A county official stated, "Despite the rainy and inclement weather, the 52nd Haenam Citizens' Day was able to be held as a grand festival of unity thanks to the support of residents and expatriates. The event served as a meaningful opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to Haenam's development."