HIGHLIGHTS FORM THE 19TH & 20TH ON-SITE ISLAND FORUM
The 'On-site Island Forum' was held over two days from October 12th to 13th. The 19th On-site Island Forum, held on Hongdo Island in Shinan County, addressed topics related to village development and the operation of branch schools. Presently, the Hongdo Island branch of Heuksan Elementary School has a total of only three students. Adding to the concern is the fact that all three students are in the sixth grade, putting this school, with a 70-year history, at risk of closure. Another issue discussed was the supply of gasoline. Residents of Hongdo Island are currently facing various inconveniences due to supply problems, such as the need to transport gasoline directly from Heuksando Island, a nearby island. The pathways between villages pose a significant challenge, especially for island residents, mostly over the age of 60. They find it practically burdensome, as they have to trek for over two hours on foot, given the impracticality of traveling by car.
During the 20th On-site Island Forum held on Heuksando Island in Shinan County, participants received a briefing on Heuksan Airport and the 'K-Tourism Island' project. The Korea Island Development Institute (KIDI) field consulting team, with the aim of establishing a comprehensive tourism plan for the 'K-Tourism Island,' also took part in the event. Heuksando Island has been designated as a 'K-Tourism Island' by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism (MCST), receiving support of approximately 10 billion won over the next four years for the project. Heuksando Island holds significant historical and cultural value, being the place where Jeong Yak-jeon, a Korean agronomist, philosopher, and poet, wrote 'Jasaneobo', Korea's first marine science research book. Additionally, it was the location of 'Pasi,' a market that once thrived in trading whales on the sea.
