Jeollanamdo Europe Office

Representative Office of Jeollanamdo Provincial Government of South Korea

Author: Jeonnam_Europe

Jindo County Launches Island Tourism Initiative with New Direct Ferry Service to Gwanmae-do

Posted by on in 2026, TourismLeave a comment

Jindo County in South Jeolla Province is revitalizing island tourism by partnering with major travel agencies to develop tourism products connected to a newly launched direct passenger ferry service to Gwanmae-do. On February 25, the county signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Domestic Travel Agency Association and the Korea Leading Travel Agency Association, with Governor Kim Heesu and approximately 20 travel agency representatives in attendance.

Under the agreement, the organizations will jointly plan and operate tourism packages linked to the direct ferry service, developing both day-trip and multi-day package products while leveraging travel agency networks to promote tourism nationwide. The move comes as Gwanmae-do, known for its exceptional natural scenery including the “Eight Scenic Spots of Gwanmae” and pristine marine areas, has experienced limited accessibility with only twice-daily ferry service, restricting opportunities for day visitors.

The county has invested 4 billion won to build a new 184-ton passenger vessel and plans to commence three daily direct ferry services starting April 1. This increased frequency will significantly improve accessibility to the island, making day trips more practical and enabling longer-stay tourism experiences. The county plans to develop high value-added tourism products that combine Gwanmae-do’s nature tours and marine activities with the culinary and cultural attractions of Jindo’s main island.

Governor Kim Heesu emphasized that the direct ferry is more than transportation infrastructure—it represents a strategic catalyst for revitalizing island tourism. The county plans to conduct familiarization tours and pilot product operations before launching comprehensive promotion and sales of tourism packages upon the ferry service’s commencement. This initiative positions Gwanmae-do and Jindo County as a premier destination for island and marine tourism in Korea.

The Jeonnam Wind Energy Association successfully held the “2025 Jeonnam Wind Energy Night.”

Posted by on in 2025, Wind EnergyLeave a comment

The Jeonnam Wind Power Industry Association hosted the “2025 Jeonnam Wind Power Night” forum on the 18th of November , bringing together industry stakeholders to discuss development strategies for the province’s offshore wind sector. During the event, the association emphasized that this year marks a pivotal moment for advancing offshore wind power in South Jeolla Province.

2025 Energy Sector Achievements:

  • March: Enactment of the ‘Special Act on Offshore Wind Power’ and the ‘Special Act on National Power Grids’ to simplify complex licensing procedures and establish a legal foundation for power grid expansion
  • April: The 3.2 GW Shinan Offshore Wind Power Complex was designated as the largest in Asia-Pacific
  • April: Commercial operation of the Jeonnam Offshore Wind Power Complex 1 and Yeonggwang Yaksu Offshore Wind Power
  • Initiative:
    • Construction of the OpenAI-SK data center
    • Selection of Samsung SDS as a candidate site for the National AI Computing Center
    • Signing of an investment agreement for the nation’s first dedicated offshore wind power installation port
    • Designation of the entire Jeollanam-do region as a distributed energy special zone

Key Topics Presented at the Forum:

  • Key evaluation indicators for offshore wind power bidding
  • Current state of the offshore wind power market
  • Future direction of the bidding system
  • Jeonnam-specific supply chain strategy amidst the global supply chain restructuring and outlined ways to improve the corporate investment environment
  • Strategy for introducing support vessels and a plan to build hinterland ports and O&M bases
  • Infrastructure demand in preparation for the expected construction of approximately 7.9 GW in the Jeonnam region by 2030
  • Technical issues across the entire offshore wind power cycle, including business development, licensing, supply chain, and infrastructure

South Jeolla Province and Mokpo Port Join Forces to Develop Industry, Energy, and Tourism Complex Port

Posted by on in 2025, Renewable Energy, TourismLeave a comment

South Jeolla Province convened a meeting on the 14th of November with relevant organizations to discuss strategies for transforming Mokpo Port into a multifunctional hub that integrates industry, energy, and tourism. Participants reviewed development plans aimed at strengthening the port’s role as a key support base for industrial growth across the southwestern region.

Development strategies:

  • Reestablishing the functions of Mokpo Port and expanding the wharf
  • Establishing a hub port to support the offshore wind power industry
  • Regenerating the port and linking it with tourism and the city
  • Renewing old wharfs
  • Strategies to respond to preliminary feasibility studies

Direction for advancing Key Development Projects:

  • The development of dedicated and shared offshore wind power wharves in the Hwawon Industrial Complex
  • The expansion of Mokpo New Port’s support wharf and hinterland complex
  • The inner harbor regeneration project and passenger wharf expansion
  • The development of a comprehensive Mokpo Port development plan and feasibility study

Through these initiatives, the province seeks to transform Mokpo Port into a multifunctional hub that integrates automotive, steel, general cargo, recycling, and tourism functions, while strengthening Jeollanam-do’s maritime competitiveness as a key industrial and energy center for the southwestern region.

Goheung County Honors Legacy of Sorok Island’s “Angels” During Visit to Austria

Posted by on in 2025, Education, Jeollanamdo & EuropeLeave a comment

Goheung-gun, Jeollanam-do, paid tribute to the lifelong dedication of Marianne Stoeger and the late Margaret Pissarek – widely known as the “Angels of Sorok Island” – during an official visit to Austria on the 13th of November.

The delegation met with Marianne’s family, as well as representatives of the Austrian Catholic Women’s Association, which had provided financial support for the nurses’ volunteer work decades earlier.

Marianne and Margaret, both trained nurses, devoted themselves to caring for patients on Sorok Island beginning in 1962, providing compassion and medical service for more than 40 years before returning to Austria in 2005. Margaret passed away in 2023, while Marianne continues to reside in her home country.

The county, which named them honorary citizens in 2016 and provides a monthly pension, is also promoting their legacy through initiatives such as the Marianne and Margaret Sharing Training Center and youth volunteer programs.

South Jeolla Province Opens Permanent Agricultural, Marine, and Food Sales Center in Berlin, Germany

Posted by on in 2025, Agriculture, Events, Export, Jeollanamdo & Europe, The Kitchen of KoreaLeave a comment

South Jeolla Province has strengthened its foothold in the European market by opening a permanent sales center for agricultural and marine products inside Momogoo Mart in Berlin. The store, which opened on the 13th of November, marks the first offline retail location of Momogo – a fast-growing food-tech startup known for operating one of Germany’s leading online platforms for Asian food products.

The dedicated sales space features more than 100 premium items from over 40 Jeonnam companies, including Wando seaweed, Boseong green tea, Goheung citron tea, Naju pear beverages, and Gurye wild vegetables. It also offers trendy products such as pouch drinks and konjac jelly, which are gaining popularity among younger German consumers.

Momogo’s CEO highlighted the growing influence of younger demographics in shaping food trends, stating, “With consumers in their 20s and 30s driving K-food demand, the next five to ten years will be a peak growth period.” He emphasized the company’s commitment to expanding the presence of Jeollanam-do’s high-quality agricultural and marine products across Europe through combined online and offline strategies.

Goheung County is exploring the German market for local agricultural and marine products

Posted by on in 2025, Agriculture, Events, Export, Jeollanamdo & EuropeLeave a comment

Goheung County announced on the 12th of November that it has signed a $5 million export agreement with Momogo, an Asian food ingredient distribution company based in Berlin, marking a major step in expanding overseas markets for its premium agricultural and marine products.

The partnership signals the start of full-scale market development in Germany, where Goheung aims to introduce regional specialties to a broader European audience.

Momogo, known for distributing Asian food ingredients and meal kits through multiple consumer-friendly brands, will gradually bring Goheung’s high-quality products- such as yuzu, seasoned laver, dried vegetables, and rice – to German consumers.

Under the agreement, Goheung County will support the establishment of a stable supply system, while the Eden Food Agricultural Cooperative will manage quality control and shipments, including key products like yuzu beverages.

Momogo will handle distribution and promotional activities in Germany, working to strengthen awareness and expand sales of Goheung’s signature goods.

Yeonggwang County wins the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Award from the Republic of Korea Solar League

Posted by on in 2025, Renewable EnergyLeave a comment

Yeonggwang County announced on the 11th of November that it received the Minister of Climate, Energy and Environment Award at the 7th Korea Solar League ceremony. The county was recognized for its outstanding policy achievements in advancing renewable energy and promoting carbon neutrality, earning national recognition as one of the leading local governments in sustainable energy governance.

Yeonggwang-gun innovative energy policies:

  • Achieved a 104% self-sufficiency rate in renewable energy
  • Enacted a citizen participation and profit-sharing ordinance
  • Implemented a “shared fund system” that returns power generation profits to citizens as a basic income

The 3MW agricultural solar power plant in Wolpyeong Village, Yeomsan-myeon, is the largest resident-led project in the country. Residents own 56% of the shares, and the profits from power generation are shared among 28 households in the village. This project is regarded as a model for a rural “energy basic income” system.

Yeonggwang County Drives Regional Energy Transition by expanding various projects:

  • Creation of a county-led solar power complex
  • Construction of village-level solar power plants
  •  Renewable energy convergence support project
  • Mini-solar power supply project for apartment complexes

Estonia and Greece Sign Participation Agreements for Yeosu Island Expo, 18 Countries Confirmed

Posted by on in 2025, Education, Events, Jeollanamdo & Europe, TourismLeave a comment

The Organizing Committee for the 2026 Yeosu World Expo has strengthened its global network by signing official participation agreements (MOUs) with the Estonian city of Hiiuma and the Ionian region of Greece, both of which had previously expressed their intention to participate in writing.

With these additions, a total of 18 countries and organizations – including France, Greece, Estonia, Madagascar, Peru, Kenya, and the WHO Asia-Pacific Centre for Environment and Health – have confirmed their involvement in the event.

The newly participating countries agreed to work closely with the organizing committee on key areas such as promotional activities, exhibition hall operations, scheduling of national days, and the dispatch of official delegations to ensure the successful hosting of the 2026 Expo.

Wando County accelerates its plan to create a “sea pension” using seaweed-derived blue carbon

Posted by on in 2025Leave a comment

Wando County in South Jeolla Province is accelerating the implementation of its “Wando-type Ocean Pension” project, which returns profits from carbon trading generated through seaweed-based blue carbon to local residents. Momentum for this initiative has increased following the agreement at the 63rd Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) meeting in Lima, Peru last October, where guidelines were adopted recognizing seaweed as a new carbon sink. Once seaweed is officially confirmed as a carbon sink, the project is expected to not only support national greenhouse gas reduction goals and contribute to the government’s 2050 carbon neutrality policy but also generate significant positive economic impacts for the local community.


Wando County Leads Blue Carbon Industrialization

  • Largest seaweed producer in Korea, contributing over 50% of national output
  • Pioneering blue carbon industrialization
  • Pristine marine environment has attracted ongoing collaborations with global organizations like the World Bank and WWF


Toward a Global Seaweed Blue Carbon Hub

The military is currently collaborating with the Korea Fisheries Resources Agency (KFRA) on a “Blue Credit Pilot Project,” which converts carbon absorbed by fishermen through aquaculture and management activities into tradable credits, thereby providing an additional source of income. In partnership with private companies, including Hyosung Group and Korea Electric Power Corporation, the military is also implementing a sea forest creation project to expand the habitat of seagrass, a type of blue carbon recognized as biomass. Looking ahead, the military aims to strengthen its policy and technology network with the government, research institutes, and private companies by establishing a dedicated task force and a carbon absorption belt council, with the ultimate goal of becoming a “global seaweed blue carbon hub”.

Shinan County finalizes basic plan for 1,004 MW tidal energy development

Posted by on in 2025, Renewable EnergyLeave a comment

Shinan County announced on November 3 that it held the 2nd Tidal Power Generation Project Committee meeting and adopted the Final Report on the Basic Plan for the Promotion of the Shinan County Tidal Power Generation Project.

The plan aims to build a 1,040 MW tidal power facility in the waters around Shinan County, with completion set for 2040.

Tidal power uses the regular movement of seawater to produce clean energy. Unlike solar or wind power, it provides a steady and reliable energy source.

Shinan County plans to carry out the project in stages to adapt to future energy market changes and strengthen the stability of renewable energy supply.

South Jeolla Province Launches Committee to Attract KRW 1.2 Trillion Artificial Sun Research Facility

Posted by on in 2025, Education, Renewable EnergyLeave a comment

On October 30th, South Jeolla Province, in collaboration with Naju City, Korea Energy University, and representatives from industry, academia, and research institutions, launched the Artificial Sun Research Facility Attraction Committee at Korea Energy University. The committee pledged to position the province as a key hub for future nuclear fusion energy technology through the successful attraction of the research facility. Participants also expressed their strong commitment to establishing Naju as the “center of Korea’s artificial sun research industry.”

The bidding committee has about 120 members, including lawmakers, media, civic and corporate leaders, university presidents, and science and technology experts, to ensure strong local participation and support.

Bid Committee Role to attract the Artificial Sun Research Facility to Naju

  • Promoting public awareness of the bid and mobilizing support
  • Coordinating joint requests to the government to host the facility in Jeollanam-do
  • Collaborating with regional universities, companies, and research institutes
  • Strengthening cooperation between the government and the National Assembly

Following the launch ceremony, South Jeolla Province plans to establish a public-private partnership to host the artificial sun research facility and to accelerate public participation and consensus-building. If selected as the host site, the facility is expected to significantly boost the local economy, attracting over 200 companies and creating more than 10,000 jobs by 2050 through the influx of specialized personnel and the concentration of related industries. The government announced on the 16th that it will select the final candidate site in November after reviewing proposals, conducting on-site evaluations, and assessing presentations.

RWTH Aachen University in Germany and Naju City Discuss Energy Technology Cooperation

Posted by on in 2025, Renewable EnergyLeave a comment

Naju City has initiated an exchange program with Germany’s RWTH Aachen University to enhance technological cooperation in the energy sector.

On October 10, Professor Thomas Gries from RWTH Aachen visited Naju to review the city’s key energy policies and projects, as well as to discuss future collaboration opportunities. The visit aimed to share Naju’s ongoing energy transition initiatives, particularly in the direct current (DC) industry.

During the discussions, participants outlined Naju’s “Energy Capital” policy and exchanged insights on collaborative research and innovation in response to the global shift toward renewable energy.

Vice Mayor Kang Sang-gu emphasized the significance of the partnership, saying that the Cooperation with RWTH Aachen University will be an important opportunity for Naju City to emerge as a global energy hub.

Source: https://www.namdonews.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=835717

Yeosu Selected as Final Candidate to Host 2026 UN Climate Week

Posted by on in 2025Leave a comment

Jeollanam-do announced on the 29th that Yeosu has been selected as the final domestic candidate city to host the 2026 UN Climate Week, organized by South Korea’s Ministry of Environment.

UN Climate Week, launched in 2021 under the UNFCCC, is a major international environmental event that brings together thousands of parties, international organizations, and NGOs to set the agenda ahead of the annual COP meetings.

The Ministry of Environment opened the national competition in September, with Yeosu (Jeollanam-do), Goyang (Gyeonggi-do), and Jeju among five applicants. After a document review and presentation, Yeosu was chosen, recognized for its strong record in hosting large-scale events like the 2012 World Expo and for its infrastructure.

The selection reflects Jeollanam-do’s strategic location for carbon neutrality, relevance to climate discussions, seasonal programs, regional solidarity, and strong civic engagement.

Jeollanam-do and Yeosu City will now work with the national government to finalize the hosting, preparing venues, programs, and logistics. Governor Kim Young-rok stated that the bid is “an opportunity for Korea to emerge as a global leader in responding to the climate crisis” and to showcase Jeollanam-do’s commitment to attracting COP33.

Jeonnam International Agricultural Expo Hosts On-site Promotions at Yeongnam-Honam Exchange Center

Posted by on in 2025, Agriculture, NatureLeave a comment

The Jeollanam-do International Agricultural Expo boosted anticipation for its upcoming October event by participating in the East-West Harmony Yeongnam-Honam Culture, Arts, and Tourism Expo in Damyang.

The three-day expo, which concluded on the 21st, highlighted cultural, artistic, and tourism exchanges between the Yeongnam and Honam regions. Visitors enjoyed local specialty exhibitions, cultural performances, and interactive activities such as traditional Korean games and social media-linked events.

Park Gwan-soo, Director of the Agricultural Expo, emphasized the importance of engaging directly with local communities to raise awareness and interest.

The 2025 International Agricultural Expo, themed “Agriculture Changes the World – Agricultural Innovation with AI, K-Agriculture that Cultivates Life,” will take place from October 23 to 29 at the Jeonnam Agricultural Research and Extension Services in Naju-si, Jeollanam-do.

South Korean Delegation Explores Bilbao’s Role as a Sustainable Energy Hub

Posted by on in 2025, Jeollanamdo & Europe, Wind EnergyLeave a comment

A delegation from Jeollanam-do Province in South Korea recently visited the Port of Bilbao to gain deeper insights into its transformation into a sustainable energy hub. The port presented its strategic projects in the fields of offshore wind, renewable hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and broader energy transition measures. A central focus was the BilbOPS project, which from 2027 will enable berthed vessels to connect to renewable shore power. This initiative will significantly reduce emissions and noise pollution in the port area and is partly financed through an €80 million loan from the European Investment Bank, underlining its importance for the region’s green transition.

The discussions also addressed the development of green and digital maritime corridors and the establishment of renewable hydrogen connections between Bilbao and Central Europe, reflecting the port’s ambition to become a key player in the European decarbonisation pathway. For the South Korean delegation, Bilbao’s advanced infrastructure, established logistics networks, and strong offshore energy value chain – with leading companies active in the sector – were of particular interest.

The visit not only provided the Korean representatives with a comprehensive overview of Bilbao’s sustainability efforts but also opened the door for future cooperation between Basque and Korean partners in renewable energy and port innovation. By learning from Bilbao’s example, Jeollanam-do aims to strengthen its own offshore wind and clean energy strategies while exploring opportunities for international collaboration.

More information here: https://www.bilbaoport.eus/en/news/south-korea-visits-the-port-of-bilbao-to-learn-about-its-role-as-a-sustainable-energy-hub/