Seeking the Future of West Sea Trade and Missionary History Tourism in Boryeong

Chungnam Provincial Council Successfully Holds Legislative Forum...
"Mission as Trade, Urgent Need for Tourism Development"

On July 31, the Chungnam Provincial Council held a legislative forum titled "Strategies to Promote Modern West Sea Trade and Missionary History Tourism" at the main auditorium of Boryeong Culture Center.

This forum was organized to shed new light on the historical value of modern trade and missionary activities in Boryeong, Chungnam, and to explore the potential for developing these into tourism resources.

Approximately 200 people attended the forum, including Chungnam Provincial Council member Pyun Sambum (Boryeong 2, People Power Party), who served as chair, Boryeong Mayor Kim Dongil, Boryeong City Council Chair Choi Eunsun, figures from missionary history and culture, and local citizens.

Shin Jaewan, Director of Boryeong Cultural Center, delivered a keynote presentation on "Modern Trade Negotiations and Strategies for Utilizing Tourism Resources." He emphasized, "The British ships Alceste and Lyra that appeared in Maryangjin in 1816, the Amherst in Godaedo in 1832, and the C?cille fleet in Oeyeondo in 1846 cannot be viewed merely as episodes in trade history," adding, "These cases are valuable legacies that have influenced language, culture, medicine, and national consciousness."

He further stated, "Now is the time to preserve these legacies and develop them into tourism resources, creating platforms that future generations can experience."

Panelists included Ahn Saehwan, Executive Director of Boryeong Christian History and Culture Missionary Association; Lee Songhee, Professor at Chungnam National University Institute of Chinese Character Culture; Hwang Euicheon, member of Boryeong Cultural Research Association; Heo Jingwon, Director of the Island Biennale Organizing Committee; Jung Heunwoong, Head of Chungnam Tourism Promotion Division; and Song Gilsang, Head of Cultural Heritage Preservation Team of Chungnam Province.

The discussants agreed on the necessity of re-examining regional history from the perspective of "mission as trade" rather than "trade as mission," and emphasized the urgent need to establish a distinctive cultural tourism strategy unique to Boryeong.

Council member Pyun stated, "Preserving and passing down local history is not for the past, but to convey our identity and values to future generations," and added, "We will continue to make various policy efforts so that Boryeong can establish itself as a center of West Sea trade and missionary history."

He also said, "We will actively reflect the various proposals from this forum in future provincial and municipal policies, and strive to develop new tourism content for Boryeong."