Is the "Wonsando Resort" Project in Boryeong Falling Through?

7.6 Billion Won Daemyung Sono Wonsando Resort Project Stalls
Criticism Mounts Over "Empty Promises" by Local Administration

Perspective view of Daemyung Sono Resort scheduled to be built on Wonsando Island, Boryeong / Boryeong City

The "Wonsando Daemyung Sono Resort Tourism Complex Development Project," which was scheduled to be built in Boryeong, South Chungcheong Province, is once again adrift, making it virtually impossible for construction to begin during the current eighth popularly elected administration.

Although Boryeong City has repeatedly promoted the "progress of the project," criticism is mounting within the local community that, in reality, there has been no substantial progress.

The "Wonsando Daemyung Sono Resort Tourism Complex Development Project," which is being pursued by Boryeong City, South Chungcheong Province, and Sono International Co., Ltd., has effectively come to a standstill.

According to Asia Economy's coverage on October 19, the project operator, Sono International, is expected to apply for approval to change the development plan for the "Wonsando Daemyung Sono Resort" with the South Chungcheong Provincial Government within this month.

Since Daemyung Sono Group already received a one-time extension to begin the project under the Tourism Promotion Act last year, no further extension is possible this year. Therefore, the company is seeking to secure grounds for continuing the project by going through the process of changing the development plan.

However, there is still no clear timeline for groundbreaking. Sono International has only stated that it is "comprehensively reviewing the direction of the project due to the economic downturn and rising construction and labor costs." The company has not disclosed any specific schedule for groundbreaking or investment plans.

Locals are increasingly skeptical, with many saying, "It seems unlikely that construction will begin during the eighth popularly elected administration." In particular, there is criticism that Boryeong City has deceived citizens by focusing more on promoting the creation of the tourism complex than on the actual substance of the project.

One citizen pointed out, "For the past three years since 2022, it has only been empty words, and the city has always sided with the company," adding, "Now, trust in the administration has collapsed."

Another local official commented, "The city keeps following the company's lead and repeating unrealistic plans," and added, "While local residents welcome the idea of a tourism complex, what they really want is a responsible explanation from the administration."

An official from South Chungcheong Province stated, "We are continuing discussions with Sono Group and will do our best to ensure the project can begin as soon as possible."

The relevant department in Boryeong City declined to comment on related inquiries.

A representative from Sono International told the reporter via text message, "We are currently reviewing plans to change the project," and added, "We plan to proceed with the approval process for changing the development plan with South Chungcheong Province before the expiration of the project period."

Local public opinion remains cold. There is criticism that, "If a private investment project worth 760 billion won has been used solely as a promotional achievement, it is a clear administrative failure."

This project was intended to create a large-scale integrated tourism complex-including a hotel, resort, pension village, and sports facilities-on a 960,000-square-meter site on Wonsando Island, with a total investment of 760.4 billion won. Although it was initially targeted for completion in 2029, the Wonsando Resort project, once touted as a "West Coast tourism hub," now faces political accountability issues as the start of construction during the eighth popularly elected administration remains uncertain.