"Unaware of Scenic Site Designation"...Assemblyman Choi Seonguk Criticizes Collapse of Basic Administration in South Jeolla Province

South Jeolla Province Unaware of 'Neureoji' Scenic Site Review
Concerns Raised Over Negative Impact of Park Golf Course Project on Scenic Site Designation

Assemblyman Choi Seonguk (Democratic Party of Korea, Mokpo 1) of the South Jeolla Provincial Council strongly criticized the provincial administration during the audit of the Tourism and Sports Bureau held on November 6, arguing that the basic foundation of administration has collapsed. He pointed out that South Jeolla Province was not even aware of the review process for designating the Yeongsangang River 'Neureoji' as a scenic site.

'Neureoji' is a unique, peninsula-shaped landform located on the border between Naju and Muan County in South Jeolla Province. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural scenery and is recognized as one of the province's premier tourist attractions.

Assemblyman Choi stated, "South Jeolla Province was not even aware of the review process for designating 'Neureoji' on the Yeongsangang River as a scenic site," and criticized, "What is the point of discussing tourism revitalization under such circumstances?" He emphasized, "This is a clear example of the collapse of basic administrative functions."

In September, the National Heritage Administration conducted an on-site inspection to assess the possibility of designating 'Neureoji' as a scenic site. However, it was revealed that South Jeolla Province was not informed of this in advance. A scenic site is a legally designated cultural property recognized by the state for its outstanding natural landscape. Once designated, environmental changes are prohibited, and the area’s flora, fauna, and minerals are protected.

Assemblyman Choi pointed out, "Although the National Heritage Administration conducted an on-site inspection on September 20, the province was unaware of it," adding, "The province lacks even the minimum information necessary for the protection and revitalization of tourism resources."

He also raised concerns about a park golf course project being promoted near 'Neureoji.' Muan County plans to invest 3 billion won to build a 36-hole park golf course on idle land within the Yeongsangang River floodplain, aiming for completion in the first half of next year.

Assemblyman Choi expressed concern, stating, "The designation of a scenic site must be premised on the protection of natural heritage. Therefore, nearby development projects could negatively impact the scenic site designation process."

He further criticized, "For the park golf course project to proceed properly, coordination with the scenic site designation is essential. South Jeolla Province is neglecting the project without understanding its details."

Assemblyman Choi expressed concern about the administrative system of South Jeolla Province. He argued, "Interdepartmental cooperation and internal information-sharing systems are not functioning. The province must play an active coordinating role and strengthen consultations between relevant departments and local governments." He added, "South Jeolla Province should conduct a comprehensive review of its information-sharing system and improve its management structure."