The Hanjasan Fishing Port and Jingeui Port in Hwasan-myeon, Haenam County, have been selected as sites for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' 2027 Rural Revitalization 3.0 Project, accelerating efforts to improve outdated fishing infrastructure and enhance residents' living conditions.
On November 10, Haenam County announced that the two ports were chosen for the ministry's rural recovery project, securing a total project budget of 10 billion won, including 7 billion won in national funding.
The project will be implemented over four years starting in 2027, focusing on upgrading port infrastructure, improving living conditions for residents, and revitalizing the fishing community.
The Rural Revitalization 3.0 Project is a new initiative launched by the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries this year, reforming previous rural regeneration efforts. It aims to move beyond individual port upgrades to develop comprehensive rural revitalization strategies that integrate two to three adjacent ports into a single living area tailored to local characteristics.
Key facilities to be established at Hanjasan and Jingeui ports include a fishing station, solar power facilities, and a shared workspace to support the community's economic activities.
Additionally, projects aimed at improving safety and working conditions for fishermen will be implemented. Plans include establishing a safety shelter for fishermen, a smart safety system, adjusting the height of the wharf, and upgrading port infrastructure to enhance convenience and safety for fishing activities.
The county also plans to operate programs to strengthen community capacity and promote participation, ensuring sustainable development of the fishing community beyond just infrastructure expansion.
Notably, Hanjasan Fishing Port achieved this selection after four attempts since 2023 to secure funding through the Rural Vitalization Promotion Project.
The persistent efforts of local residents and Haenam County's ongoing preparations for the project have been significant factors in this successful selection.
Haenam County has been gradually improving living conditions and restoring port functions through the Rural Vitalization Promotion Project and the Rural Revitalization 3.0 Project.
The project at Naejang Port, selected in 2023, has been completed, while work at Songho Port is currently underway. Haggah Port and Ugeun Port, selected this year for the Rural Revitalization 3.0 Project, are in the process of developing basic plans.
With the selection of Hanjasan and Jingeui ports, the total funding secured by Haenam County through the Rural Vitalization Promotion Project and the Rural Revitalization 3.0 Project has increased to 350 billion won.
The county plans to use the secured funding to enhance fishing infrastructure and stimulate the local economy by linking it to residents' income-generating activities.
Kim Mi-rae, head of the Marine Development Team at Haenam County's Marine and Fisheries Department, stated, "The efforts and participation of local residents in consistently applying for these projects have led to this positive outcome. We will do our utmost to ensure that Hanjasan and Jingeui ports become vibrant fishing communities where residents can thrive."
Meanwhile, Haenam County plans to continuously improve port infrastructure and living environments by linking existing rural regeneration projects with newly selected initiatives. The county aims to actively incorporate residents' opinions during the project implementation process, enhancing safety for fishing activities and convenience for daily life, ultimately fostering sustainable fishing communities that can respond to population decline and aging.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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