Fostering a Stay-Type Tourism Destination
Project Aims for Completion in 2027
As the opening of the marine pedestrian bridge (Yejakgyo) in Yejakdo, Bogil, Wando County, South Jeolla Province has led to an increase in tourist numbers, the county is moving forward in earnest with a project to transform the entire island into an art tourism destination.
On October 21, Wando County announced, "We have launched the 'Yejakdo Tourism Attraction Project' in earnest to develop Yejakdo as an 'Art Island' where art, nature, and culture coexist."
Wando County is promoting the "Yejakdo Tourism Attraction Project" to develop Yejakdo as an "Art Island." Photo by Wando County
Yejakdo is a small island with an area of 0.33 square kilometers, located in Yejak-ri, Bogil-myeon, Wando County, and is home to 20 households and 45 residents. Since the opening of Yejakgyo last year, accessibility has greatly improved, leading to increased tourism demand.
The county plans to invest a total of 5 billion won to transform the Yejakdo area into an emotional tourism destination that combines pristine natural environments, stone wall paths, and art content. Currently, a service is underway for the design of exhibition spaces and the production and installation of exhibits on Yejakdo. After completing this service by the end of the year, the county will install exhibits and photo zones that utilize the island's natural environment.
Additionally, the county plans to incorporate local residents' opinions in developing storytelling-based content and will pay special attention to designing content that all visitors can easily understand.
Major projects include the maintenance of the Yejakdo perimeter trail, the creation of an all-season herb garden, a meditation space called "Meong Zone," and an indoor exhibition area known as "Sosojae Sculpture Park." The project will be carried out in phases, aiming for completion in 2027.
Long-abandoned vacant houses will be renovated and repurposed as creative and exhibition spaces for artists. The county plans to benchmark Naoshima, a Japanese island famous for its art scene, to foster Yejakdo as a stay-type tourism destination that attracts both artists and tourists.
A county official stated, "We will create Yejakdo as an emotional space where nature, art, and culture coexist, and develop it into a stay-type tourism destination."
Meanwhile, ahead of the "2025 Visit Wando Year," the county has prepared various incentives to attract more tourists. Travel agencies that bring group tourists can receive up to 38,000 won per person, while individual tourists are eligible for travel expense support of up to 200,000 won.
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