Imagine Jinhae as your next coastal playground. Gyeongsangnam Province said it hosted a kickoff briefing on the 25th at Jinhae Marine Park’s Solar Park in Changwon to launch the basic and detailed design phase of the Jinhae Marine Leisure Tourism Hub Development Project. Officials from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, Changwon City, and an external advisory panel attended.
Chosen for the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ 2024 Marine Tourism Infrastructure (SOC) Program, this initiative aims to reshape the area around Jinhae Marine Park into an urban marine leisure tourism hub.
The project has a total budget of KRW 43 billion (approximately $32.25 million), which includes KRW 21.5 billion (approximately $16.13 million) in national funding. Design work is slated for completion by February 2027, with full-scale construction to follow.
Highlights include the Sea Blossom Center for year‑round marine leisure experiences; a marine safety experience facility linked to the Jinhae ship; the Victory Marine Skywalk and a History Road that combine Eumji‑do’s history with dramatic nighttime scenery; and Udo’s “Island (Some) Healing Road” along with a collaborative market.
The design team plans to adopt a terrain‑adaptive approach to preserve the site’s natural topography, minimize excessive artificial paving, and prioritize eco-friendly spaces. They will also develop programs that involve local residents and creators to boost the local economy and foster community partnerships.
Kim Sang‑won, director of tourism development for Gyeongnam Province, said, “We will create a distinctive marine leisure tourism hub that blends Jinhae’s exceptional natural environment with its historical story. At the provincial level, we will promptly support administrative procedures and do our utmost to elevate Gyeongnam’s southern coast into a world‑class tourist destination.”
