Wando County Successfully Holds County Residents' Day Ceremony with Over 500 Local Attendees

Kim Donggyo, Head of Bohae Brewery Wando Branch, Receives 'County Resident Award'
Three Residents Honored with 'Special Award' for Rescuing Lives in Car Accident

Wando County in Jeonnam announced on June 9 that it held the 54th County Residents' Day ceremony at the Wando Culture and Arts Center on June 5, with around 500 attendees, including local residents.

'Wando County Residents' Day' is held every year on May 31 to commemorate the day 1,200 years ago when maritime king Jang Bogo established Cheonghaejin in Wando. However, this year, due to the overlap with a public holiday and the 22nd National Assembly election schedule (early and main voting), the event was inevitably postponed and held on June 5.

Wando County in Jeonnam held the 54th County Residents' Day ceremony with around 500 attendees, including local residents. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

The ceremony began with a congratulatory performance by a Korean dance team, followed by a promotional video about county administration, a reading of the county residents' charter, awards for distinguished contributors, commemorative and congratulatory speeches, a group singing of 'Ode to Wando,' and a commemorative tree planting. In particular, the voluntary participation of local groups such as the Wando Girls' Middle School dance club and the male vocal ensemble 'Blue' greatly enhanced the atmosphere of the event.

The video highlighting Wando County's achievements introduced major issues and milestones, including the successful bids to host the National Subtropical Arboretum and the National Maritime and Fisheries Museum, the completion of the preliminary feasibility study for the second phase of the Gwangju-Wando Expressway, and the hosting of the Jeonnam Sports for All Games.

This year's 'County Resident Award' was presented to Kim Donggyo, the head of Bohae Brewery's Wando branch, for his contributions in the fields of social welfare and the environment. Five individuals, including Kang Jeongmin, chairman of Taantezmeinia, who contributed to pioneering overseas markets for Wando seafood and who received the Jang Bogo Hansang Award, were named 'Honorary County Residents.' In addition, a special award was given to Kwon Daeyong, Jeon Hyoseong, and Choi Eunjae, who rescued lives by jumping into the sea during a car accident at the Seonchang-ri dock in Bogil-myeon last February.

County Governor Shin Woochul stated, "Together with the residents, we are pooling our wisdom and capabilities to bring about meaningful changes in various fields, including the marine healing industry," and added, "I will do my utmost so that the residents can take even greater pride in Wando."