[New Year Interview] Wando Governor Shin Woochul: "Wando's Ocean Will Transform Residents' Bank Accounts"

Three Core Pillars: Marine Healing, Bio, and Blue Carbon
Carbon Credits as a New Source of Income
60 Units of Youth Housing at 10,000 Won per Month
Solving Jobs and Housing Together

"The greatest achievement has been to clearly establish the three core pillars of county administration-marine healing, marine bio, and blue carbon-and, through these, to set a direction and foundation for designing Wando's next 100 years."

On the 27th, during an interview at his office, Wando County Governor Shin Woochul shared his New Year's aspirations with a voice full of conviction. Governor Shin, who has tirelessly served from the 6th to the 8th popularly elected terms, demonstrated both the seasoned experience of a three-term governor and the meticulousness of a 'marine industry expert.'

Shin Woochul, Wando County Governor, expressed his seasoned experience as a three-term governor and his aspirations as a marine industry expert in a New Year's interview. Photo by Lee Jungkyung

Governor Shin selected "tangible impact" and "execution" as this year's key themes for Wando's administration. He declared the opening of the "marine pension" era, stating, "2026 will be the first year when the outcomes of Wando's marine industry policies, which we have been preparing for, will directly permeate the lives of our residents."

He identified marine healing, marine bio, and blue carbon (carbon absorption by seaweed) as the core pillars of Wando's administration, emphasizing, "We will complete a system that goes beyond simple primary industries and transforms the value of marine resources into income and assets."

◆ 120,000 Marine Healing Visitors..."Connecting to the Local Economy"

Wando has established itself as South Korea's leading destination for marine healing. Last year, the Wando Marine Healing Center welcomed over 120,000 visitors, and the total number of visitors and participants for healing purposes-including cultural and climate healing, barefoot walking, Cheongsan Marine Healing Park, and Yaksan Coastal Healing Forest-exceeded 940,000, making it a prominent hub for marine healing in the country.

Governor Shin stated, "According to analysis by the Korea Tourism Organization, the economic ripple effect of visits to the Marine Healing Center is approximately 12 billion won," adding, "This year, we will establish 'Wando Healing Pay' to ensure that consumption is directly linked to the local economy."

Plans are in place to expand long-term stay programs that connect Yaksan Coastal Healing Forest and Cheongsan Marine Healing Park, and to build a virtuous cycle that leads to increased sales for local businesses such as accommodation and restaurants.

Private investment attraction is also gaining momentum. Governor Shin said, "A private investor has completed land acquisition and access road design for the construction of a large-scale resort within the marine healing district," and added, "We will make investment agreements tangible through a familiarization tour for major corporations in the first half of the year."

◆ Utilizing Seaweed Carbon Absorption... 'Wando-Style Marine Pension'

As the damage from high sea temperatures due to climate change increases, Wando County has positioned the blue carbon project, utilizing seaweed, as a future strategy.

Governor Shin explained, "If seaweed is internationally certified as a carbon sink, fishermen will gain a new source of income through carbon emissions trading," adding, "Aquaculture activities themselves will become a 'marine pension' model that generates steady income like a pension."

To this end, the county is designing a structure to issue carbon credits at the level of fishing villages or cooperatives and distribute profits, while also working with the National Institute of Fisheries Science to supply abalone breeds resistant to high temperatures and expand smart seed production facilities.

◆ '10,000-Won Youth Housing' and Bio Complex to Address Population Decline

Improving residential conditions to address population decline has also been highlighted as a key task. Wando County received the highest rating in the Local Extinction Response Fund assessment, securing 12 billion won in national funding.

Governor Shin stated, "We plan to invest a total of 27 billion won to build public rental housing for young people and newlyweds, offering a monthly rent of 10,000 won," and added, "By linking this with the marine bio research complex, we aim to create an environment where jobs and housing are both available by 2028."

The marine bio complex will be equipped with a smart factory and raw material center to create youth employment opportunities.

◆"Wando, the Center of the Global Seaweed Industry"

Regarding the upcoming 'Pre-Wando International Seaweed Expo' to be held in May, Governor Shin said, "It will serve as a prelude to the 2028 International Seaweed Expo and as a stage to announce Wando as the center of the global seaweed industry."

Governor Shin stated, "We will discuss the potential of seaweed as food, medicine, and eco-friendly material with global scholars and buyers," adding, "We will establish Wando as the control tower of the global seaweed industry."

When asked about his thoughts as a three-term governor, he replied, "Rather than focusing on completion, I want to leave a solid foundation," and added, "It is my responsibility to ensure that the marine healing and blue carbon policies are firmly established so they can be carried on without wavering by the next generation."