The North Gyeongsang provincial government and Ulleung County have launched an ambitious “Green Island Project” in partnership with universities, companies, and research institutes. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
ANDONG, Mar. 26 (Korea Bizwire) – In a bid to create a sustainable and thriving future for Ulleungdo, a picturesque island off the east coast of South Korea, the North Gyeongsang provincial government and Ulleung County have launched an ambitious “Green Island Project” in partnership with universities, companies, and research institutes.
On March 25, 11 entities including the provincial and county governments, Handong Global University, Ulleung High School, the Climate Transformation Programme from Singapore’s Nanyang Technological University, and Canada’s Hydra Energy, signed a memorandum of understanding at Handong Global University to nurture the recycling industry on Ulleungdo and foster related talent.
Under this collaborative project, the governments plan to attract eco-friendly companies and research facilities to transform marine waste into usable resources for daily life and extract functional substances from fishery by-products for use in cosmetics and other products.
They also aim to develop technologies for producing hydrogen from seawater, with a vision of converting the island’s diesel vehicles into hydrogen hybrid models.
Additionally, mobile charging support vehicles repurposing spent batteries will be introduced, while wellness tourism will be boosted through yoga programs in partnership with global companies.
Handong Global University will establish an Ulleungdo campus and research institute to cultivate talent for these emerging industries, helping graduates secure employment opportunities on the island.
The provincial and county governments will also bolster residential infrastructure to encourage educated youth to find jobs and settle permanently on Ulleungdo.
With the “Special Act to Support Outlying Islands” set to take effect in January 2025, Gyeongsangbuk-do plans to submit a comprehensive development plan for Ulleung County to the Ministry of Interior and Safety by the end of this year. Introducing a temporary deregulation zone is also being considered to transform Ulleungdo into a world-class eco-tourism destination.
Under the new legislation, Ulleungdo will receive special support for expanding education, safety measures, fishing operations, and residential population.
“Due to the pretext of protecting its pristine natural environment, Ulleung County has been hampered by various restrictions that even prevented the establishment of basic infrastructure,” remarked North Gyeongsang Province Governor Lee Cheol-woo. “We will do our utmost to transform Ulleungdo into a globally renowned eco-friendly, economically prosperous, and tourism-oriented island.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
