By Kim Minji
Photos = Jeon Han
Video = Kim Sunjoo, Choi Tae Soon

Development of the southern coast tourism belt is the crux of Jeollanam-do Province's balanced development plan, according to the province's governor Kim Young-rok.

This project seeks to improve the province's tourism resources and attractions and connect Jeollanam-do to Busan on the southeastern coast, he added.

The following are excerpts from a Korea.net interview with Kim on June 12 at the headquarters of the Jeollanam-do Provincial Government.

- What are the goals of your province's push to develop a tourism belt on the southern coast?

We expect a synergy effect that allows joint development of the provinces of Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do and Busan.

The southern coast has beautiful beaches, islands, history, culture and arts such as pansori (traditional lyrical opera), and can become the country's center for tourism. We aim to form an economic bloc in this coastal area.

We're also promoting a rail project to ensure comfortable tours of the southern coast to enable a two-hour ride from Busan to Mokpo.

- What about promotions for foreign tourists?

Namdo One Round is a program geared for foreign tourists including accommodations, transportation and meals based on an overnight itinerary. To launch in July, this is expected to become the province's leading tourism package.

Also, guides will accompany tourists visiting the province via cruise ship or Muan International Airport, as well as work in main tourist attractions to assist in interpretation. Shuttle buses will run between harbors and tourist attractions to raise the convenience of tourists coming from cruise ships.

 

- What is your province's goal for balanced development?

We seek to create a community in which every resident enjoys living in our province. Our slogan is "Full of Life, Jeonnam." 
 
This slogan signifies our goal of becoming the country's top region for quality of life. We will develop our people-centric province through our superb natural landscape.

- What is most attractive about Jeollanam-do Province?

We are the (Korean Peninsula's) gateway to the Pacific Ocean. Facing the Pacific are the islands of Hongdo and Baekdo, both of which have landmarks incomparable with anything else in the world.

More than anything, Jeollanam-do's scrumptious cuisine is famous throughout Korea. I recommend hanjeongsik (Korean table d'hote), which offers a variety of delicious regional recipes. You must try hanjeongsik varieties featuring dried fish, seaweed fulvescens and cockle.

Those interested in Buddhist culture can spend a few days at a temple and spend time meditating.
 

kimmj7725@korea.kr