Nine Core Visions for Wando Unveiled at the 'Wando County Policy Vision Tour'
Seaweed Farming Damage Affects 173,000 Lines... 1.5 Billion Won in Emergency Aid Allocated
On December 18, Kim Youngrok, Governor of South Jeolla Province, visited his hometown, Wando County, and announced, "I will develop Wando into Korea's leading marine city of the future by harnessing three main engines: Blue Food (fisheries), Blue Health (marine healing), and Blue Carbon (seaweed)."
The 'Wando County Policy Vision Tour,' held at the Culture Hall of the Wando Culture and Arts Center that day, was attended by over 120 people, including Governor Kim, Wando County Mayor Shin Woochul, officials from provincial and county councils, and local residents. The event served as a platform to share a future vision for transforming Wando, based on its pristine and clean sea, into a global innovation hub for marine healing and the seaweed industry.
Governor Kim Youngrok, who visited Wando County, presented nine core visions for the future of Wando. Photo by Lee Jungkyung
In his welcoming remarks, Wando County Mayor Shin Woochul stated, "We will proactively respond to the climate crisis and rapidly changing environment to lead sustainable agriculture and fisheries," and added, "Through key projects such as the marine healing industry, marine bioindustry, the 2026 Pre-Wando International Seaweed Expo, and the successful completion of the preliminary feasibility study for the first phase of the Wando-Goheung Coastal Tourism Road, we will overcome the crisis of local extinction."
Governor Kim said, "Visiting my hometown fills me with excitement, and every time I come to this place, which holds precious childhood memories, my heart is moved. Unlike previous provincial government briefings, this policy vision tour is not a one-sided explanation, but an opportunity to share what visions and policies will create future growth engines."
He continued, "I am grateful to the heads of Wando's institutions, social organizations, and residents for making this place a world-class marine tourism destination. If we continue to enhance the value of our sea and islands together, Wando will undoubtedly soar as Korea's foremost marine city of the future."
He also noted, "Wando County has been recognized in various fields, including winning the Hometown Love Donation Award, being selected as an excellent city and county with the highest rating for the Local Extinction Response Fund, and receiving a major award for youth growth support projects."
On this day, the Jeonnam Research Institute presented nine core visions for the future of Wando.
The main points include: ▲Realizing the world’s first seaweed blue carbon-based carbon economy ▲Establishing a data and AI-based smart fisheries and aquaculture hub ▲Fostering a high value-added bioindustry for seaweed ▲Building a K-Seafood export base centered on Wando abalone ▲Creating a global healing city that integrates marine, island, and forest resources ▲Re-examining the history of Ambassador Jang Bogo ▲Launching a renaissance of K-marine humanities and cultural tourism ▲Establishing a safe and vibrant premium residential city ▲Completing a hyperconnected marine-wide transportation network.
In addition, discussions were held on Wando County’s plans to develop marine tourism attractions, the development potential of the South Coast tourism belt and the region, and strategies for utilizing the Local Extinction Response Fund.
During the policy discussion, local residents raised various suggestions, including support for the reconstruction of the wooden bridge at the Cheonghaejin relics site, assistance for producing export containers for live seafood, expansion of transportation support services for the mobility-impaired, and provincial funding for the Wando Horang Gasi Holly Festival.
In particular, there was a strong call for countermeasures against the recent detachment of seaweed fronds (spores) in the waters off Wando. To date, it has been found that 173,029 lines, representing 59% of all seaweed farms in Wando, have been affected.
Governor Kim promised, "We will swiftly complete the investigation of the seaweed damage to secure government support and will do our utmost to support alternative crops. We plan to allocate 1.5 billion won to assist with the purchase of Gonphy seeds and the procurement of kelp materials and seeds."
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