Visit to NASA Leads to Globalization of Seaweed
"Healing Pay" Policy Launched to Boost Local Consumption
192 Tons of Marine Debris Collected... Contributing to Environmental Protection
Wando County in South Jeolla Province announced on July 1 that it has selected the "Outstanding Active Administration Public Officials for the First Half of 2025" and held an Active Administration Committee to commemorate the occasion.
The individuals recognized as outstanding public officials this time are: Jeong Jongmin, officer from the Fisheries Management Division; Kim Songhee, officer from the Tourism Division; and Joo Ayoung, officer from the Marine Policy Division. For outstanding teamwork, the General Affairs Team and Welfare Team 2 of Wando-eup were selected. The exemplary cases were chosen through an online public vote via the "Sotong 24" platform and a presentation evaluation process.
Officer Jeong Jongmin was recognized for being the first public official from a basic local government in Korea to visit the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in person and widely promote the future value of Wando seaweed. He achieved the visit after persistent efforts over three years, including contacting major institutions such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the U.S. Embassy in Korea, and the Korea Institute of Marine Science & Technology Promotion, as well as sending multiple emails to the NASA Asia representative.
Officer Kim Songhee planned and implemented the "Wando Healing Pay" policy to stimulate local consumption. This policy provided coupons and Clean Market points that could be used at accommodations, restaurants, cafes, and specialty product stores. Within just three months of implementation, it generated over 2.3 billion won in consumption and was credited with increasing the number of tourists by approximately 96,000 compared to the previous year.
Officer Joo Ayoung identified the reality of remote island areas where collecting marine debris is difficult and introduced an eco-friendly cleaning transport vessel, encouraging voluntary participation from fishing village associations, residents, and sanitation workers. As a result, by May of this year, a total of 192 tons of marine debris had been collected from nine islands in five towns and townships, contributing to environmental protection.
The General Affairs Team and Welfare Team 2 of Wando-eup were selected as outstanding collaboration teams for the second consecutive year. In celebration of the "2025 Visit Wando Year," they worked with the Residents' Autonomy Committee, the Senior Citizens' Association, and others to attract organizations from other regions to visit Wando and contributed to improving the local economy and welfare by delivering specialty products and exchange goods to neighbors in welfare blind spots.
Outstanding public officials will receive rewards including prize money, performance bonuses, a one-grade promotion, additional points in performance evaluations, reward leave, transfers to desired departments, and opportunities for overseas training.
County Governor Shin Woochul stated, "Through the selection of outstanding active administration public officials, we will motivate our staff and strive to create a proactive administrative culture that residents can truly experience."
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