By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
Some people visiting Jeonnam ― or South Jeolla Province, in the southern part of the Korean peninsula ― may be surprised to see that the place is nothing like the typical ``modern Korea.'' There aren't many skyscrapers, fuming chimneys from factories, nor resplendent nightlines.
Moreover, its population is just over 1.9 million ― the smallest among provincial governments except for Jeju ― where 19 percent of residents are over 65 years old. The endless farmlands and fishermen sailing in little boats to catch fish may almost give impressions that the region is ``old fashioned'' or ``underdeveloped.''
However, by looking deeper, one may find that it's quite the opposite. South Jeolla Province is leading the newest and trendiest fashions ― slowness, well being, environmental friendliness and, most of all, cleanliness.
For Governor Park Joon-yung, the environment and circumstances were definitely challenges at first. As the population kept decreasing, so did the tax income, and an immediate business model was needed to secure the provinces finances.
Park, however, turned it all into an opportunity and found a blue ocean. He set his mind on ``green growth'' using bio energy and producing green products long before President Lee Myung-bak adopted the strategy as his main policy guideline last year. He has also attracted international attention by making four of its ``senior dominated spots'' as ``slow cities'' with a lifestyle of health and sustainability (LOHAS) becoming a social trend.
Moreover, he set his eyes on hanok, or traditional Korean housing, to portray a traditional type of happiness, stressing the importance of environmentally friendly farming and the necessity of organic foods ― such products take up 55 percent of nationwide production. Park's projects have all become immensely successful.
In an interview with The Korea Times, the governor said all he needed to do was to change the perception toward what was given to him. He recalled the first time he visited Byeongyeong Castle in Gangjin and found a small wall from the past. ``I was so amazed ― it kept the original architectural style and showed what Korea was like then. It was nothing like what you see at artificial folk towns or museums; it was alive,'' he said.
``There were some petitions asking for stricter preservation,'' he said. Thanks to his efforts, people can still feel hundreds of years of history breathing through the walls, bricks, pillars, roofs and side roads of the town.
His enthusiasm led to four places in his district ― Cheongsando, in Wando; Changpyeong; Yuchi, in Jangheung; and Jeungdo, in Shinan ― gaining certification by the Slow City International Network, a first in Asia, putting the province on the map of well-being and clean tourists spots.
Governor Park has recently developed his ideas further, supporting villages and renovating their houses into hanok. As for complexes with more than 20 housing units, the administrative office gives 20 million won per household and provides a 30 million won low-interest loan.
If a whole village seeks ``reconstruction,'' the office will provide 500 million won and grant the name ``Haengbok Maeul,'' or Happy Village. There are 32 Happy Villages and 13 candidates awaiting authorization.
``It could be a new business model for the villages, which have little other than small farmland and old-fashioned houses. Some people have started guesthouse businesses and are seeing visible profits. I'm sure when the project settles, foreigners seeking to see the real ethnic and original side of Korea will rush to the villages, where people will be serving organic foods they planted in their farm yards and will share Korean hospitality,'' he said.
Park said this was an innovation of ideology for all the residents in the region. ``Before, hanok, too much farmland and a lack of large supermarkets or any industrial facility was a challenge. Something needed to be developed. However, when we adopted this `green philosophy,' everyone understood that it could be our strength,'' he said.
His plans brought tangible profits. With everyone talking about food safety over contaminated imported food or ingredients containing pesticides and other chemicals, Jeonnam's organic and green products have become popular.
``Since we became the first place for governmental support of organic food products ― in 2005 ― Jeonnam has become a brand for safety, environmental friendliness and credible food,'' he said.
Park still has a piece of his heart in the conventional concept of development and industrialization. A small town in Yeongam, formerly popular for the beautiful surrounding scenery of Mt. Weolchul, will have a Formula 1 circuit in October 2010. The facility, which earned a seven-year F3 race contract, is expected to attract tens of thousands of racing fans to Korea and the province.
The tracks can be used for motorbikes, amateur racing, driving test circuits, driving instruction test rounds, bio-fuel car racing circuits and more.
Park and his promotion team stressed that the plan could have a wider range of influence than expected. ``It's not only about the racing itself for racing fans; a rather large industrial spot could be created ― motor sports research and development centers, car repair shops, environmentally friendly car showrooms and more could be located nearby ― it's a win-win situation,'' they said.
Both the governing Grand National Party and the Democratic Party are poised to pass a bill supporting the construction and management of the facilities, shedding light on the future of the complex.
Furthermore, since Yeosu EXPO 2012 is planned to be one of the largest and flashiest international events in Korea in the next few years, the province has room to maneuver. The event is expected to boost local tourism, which was long cherished domestically but lacked promotion and a defining ``it'' moment.
The international event will transform Yeosu into a comprehensive marine leisure town. With an 8.1 trillion won budget, a motorway between Jeonju in North Jeolla Province and Gwangyang will be built alongside a residential town, and condominiums for tourists.
An aquarium offering a view of marine life will be constructed and a research complex will be established to maintain the scholastic spirit of the expo.
A provincial official said, ``Now we'll see what Jeonnam has to offer the world.''
Park is also enthusiastic about finding next generation energy sources. ``The fuel we use is limited and will run out soon ― by harming the environment. It's time we seek something new, cleaner and efficient,'' he said.
The province is now pushing solar, wind and tidal power plants. ``Everything is possible. We have abundant sunshine ― about 10 percent higher than other regions ― for a solar power plant. The shoreline of our province accounts for two-thirds of the nation's total, making it practical to seek a tidal power plant,'' he said.
Park has recently signed a contract with the Indonesian government to develop seaweed farms, cornfields and forestry for sources of energy. ``It's more like an investment for our children. When the resources we take for granted are depleted, how will we maintain our lifestyle?'' he said.
He is also interested in new materials. He set his eyes on magnesium, nickel and ceramics, and has established a ceramics center in Mokpo that has already attracted several related companies. ``Ceramics can be used to make products, from microchips to china. It's apparently a new generation material,'' he said.
Overall, it seems that South Jeolla Province is much more than just agriculture and slow-paced rural life. It has a very complex yet peaceful face, where ultra high technology, relaxation and leisure are well balanced.
Park invites foreigners to visit the province, stressing that it's the perfect place to see and understand Korea. ``Tell me, do you see Korea through concrete buildings, extreme traffic jams or thick air pollution? We can show you something different,'' he said.
``In Jindo, you can participate in auctions of traditional Korean paintings. In Jangseong, you will be able to feel the courage and boldness of Hong Gil-dong, often called the `Korean Robin Hood,' who fought the authorities' wrongdoing and sought a class-free country.
``In Gokseong, you can feel the spirit of serving your parents since it's the hometown of Shimgcheong, who sold herself to fishermen to be used an offering to the gods of the sea to pay for food for her blind father. And great philosopher and politician Chung Yak-yong also stayed in Gangjin to finish Mokminshimseo, one of the greatest philosophical books in Korean history,'' he said with evident enthusiasm.
``And then please enjoy our leisure facilities and next generation technologies. It's all here!'' he added.