Securing 71.2 Billion Won in Government Funding for Tourism Next Year
Promoting Stay-Type Tourism Linked to Natural Attractions
Full-Scale Launch of Southern Region Integrated Tourism Development
Jeonnam Province announced that it has secured 71.2 billion won in government funding for the tourism sector next year, aiming to develop attractive tourist destinations that highlight regional characteristics and to ensure the successful hosting of the 2026 Yeosu World Island Expo.
The secured government funding is expected to lay the foundation for the full-scale launch of the first phase of the Southern Region Integrated Tourism Development Project, which aims to develop the southern coastal area into a world-class tourist destination comparable to the Mediterranean, as well as for the operation of the Year of Island Visits to promote the appeal of Jeonnam's islands.
Accordingly, the Southern Region Integrated Tourism Development Project, which focuses on realizing "stay-type tourism" that encourages visitors to extend their stay by linking Jeonnam's natural gems such as islands, tidal flats, and archipelagos, will be officially launched.
In particular, a total of 27 detailed projects have secured 66.3 billion won (with a total project cost of 637.6 billion won), including 1 billion won for the Yeonggwang Baeksu Coastal Road tourism landscape project (total project cost: 40.1 billion won), 1.6 billion won for the Wando Coastal Road tourism landscape project (total project cost: 15 billion won), 2.9 billion won for the Goheung Sunset Garden tourism landscape project (total project cost: 10.6 billion won), and 3.1 billion won for the Yeosu Beauty & Spa Wellness Tourism Hub project (total project cost: 21.3 billion won). This marks the first step for various parts of Jeonnam to become stay-type and experiential tourism attractions.
Additionally, Jeonnam Province has secured 2 billion won in government funding to operate the "2026 Jeonnam Year of Island Visits" in conjunction with the "2026 Yeosu World Island Expo."
The province plans to promote the "Half-Price Island Travel" program, which partially subsidizes travel expenses such as accommodation for tourists visiting the islands, and to strengthen Jeonnam's global competitiveness in island tourism by developing and promoting island-specialized travel products and programs, as well as hosting local participation events. These efforts aim to vitalize the island tourism industry.
Furthermore, the province has secured funding for several other initiatives: 1.7 billion won for the Hwasun Abandoned Mine Area Tourism Industry Revitalization Project (total project cost: 12 billion won), 1 billion won for the Jeonnam Tourism Business Support Center Establishment Project (total project cost: 10 billion won), and 200 million won for the feasibility study for the construction of the Yeongam International Baduk Training Center (total project cost: 3.8 billion won). These projects will help activate the tourism industry tailored to the region's unique characteristics and lay the groundwork for nurturing talent in the future tourism and sports sectors.
Yoo Hyeonho, Director of Tourism and Sports at Jeonnam Province, stated, "We will develop meaningful tourism content to newly showcase the appeal of Jeonnam's tourism resources," and emphasized, "We will focus on generating tangible tourism results so that the secured government funding leads to a real economic ripple effect in the region."
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