"Hope Remains Despite Population Decline"... Wando County Council Studies Island Development in Buan and Gunsan

Full-Scale Policy Proposals and Council Inquiries
Based on On-Site Case Studies

The Wando County Council's Research Group on Population Issues and Island Development announced on the 22nd that it conducted research activities in Buan County and Gunsan City in Jeonbuk Province from the 11th to the 12th, studying local best practices and exploring policy development suitable for Wando County's circumstances.

During this visit, the research group examined several policy models, including the 'Fishing Village New Vitalization Project' site in Byeonsan-myeon, Buan County, the 'Buan On Family Center,' and 'Mailbox Street,' a representative urban regeneration site in Gunsan City.

The Wando County Council's Research Group on Population Issues and Island Development visited Buan County and Gunsan City in Jeonbuk Province to study local best practices and develop policies suitable for Wando County's circumstances. Provided by Wando County Council

In Byeonsan-myeon, Buan, the group focused on fostering self-sustaining fishing villages, examining the role of anchor organizations and cases of resident-driven improvements to living environments, and sought ways to establish a sustainable system for the development of Wando's island regions.

At the Buan On Family Center, the group learned about the operation of integrated family services such as childcare, care, and welfare, and shared the positive effects of a welfare system that encompasses diverse family members on attracting population inflow and creating favorable settlement conditions.

During the visit to Gunsan's Mailbox Street, the group observed cases of community-led village environment improvements and local revitalization through cultural experience programs such as the hand-written letter festival. Based on these observations, they discussed a resident-centered urban regeneration model linked to the tourism resources of Wando-eup's old downtown area.

Assemblyman Cho Inho, the head of the group, stated, "This field study went beyond simply visiting best practice sites; it was a meaningful opportunity to analyze the strengths and weaknesses revealed during actual operations and to concretize policy alternatives suitable for Wando County's reality. We will continue legislative activities that bring happiness to Wando residents, focusing on key elements such as fostering self-sustaining fishing villages, utilizing anchor organizations, and the role of community leaders."

Meanwhile, based on this field visit, the Wando County Council plans to more thoroughly review responses to population decline and island development strategies, and to work with the executive branch to seek practical policy alternatives through future five-minute speeches and council questions and answers.