Choi Mugyeong Accelerates Legislation of "Island Tourism Act" in Jeollanam-do Provincial Council

Passed Agricultural and Fisheries Committee Review on July 14
Laying the Foundation for an 'Island Tourism Hub'
Turning Point Anticipated Ahead of the Yeosu World Island Expo

Choi Mugyeong, Jeonnam Provincial Councilor.

The "Jeollanam-do Island Tourism Promotion Ordinance," proposed by Choi Mugyeong, a member of the Jeollanam-do Provincial Council's Safety, Construction, and Firefighting Committee (Democratic Party of Korea, Yeosu 4), passed the review of the Agricultural and Fisheries Committee of the Jeollanam-do Provincial Council on July 14.

This ordinance was initiated to establish an institutional foundation for Jeollanam-do, which possesses more than 65% of the nation's islands, to emerge as a hub for island tourism. In particular, it is drawing attention as a proactive measure to systematize and accelerate island tourism policies ahead of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo.

The ordinance includes specific directions such as: ▲ establishing the basis for the formulation of a basic plan for island tourism ▲ promoting projects such as developing island tourism content, building infrastructure, and creating resident-participatory tourism programs ▲ establishing the "Jeollanam-do Island Tourism Committee" for public-private cooperation ▲ building cooperative systems with cities and counties, public institutions, and related organizations.

Choi emphasized, "The islands of Jeollanam-do are unique natural and cultural assets, and precious regional resources to be passed on to future generations," adding, "Now is the perfect time to foster island tourism as an industry, as the trend in tourism is shifting from the mainland to the sea, and from cities to islands."

He continued, "This ordinance goes beyond simply promoting tourism; it is intended to provide institutional support for a sustainable island tourism model in which local residents directly participate and generate income and jobs," stressing, "In particular, using the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo as a turning point, this will serve as an essential institutional foundation to elevate Jeollanam-do's island tourism policies to the next level."