By Jane Han
Staff Reporter
Imagine a weekend getaway to an island paradise where you can enjoy everything from medical checkups and jet skiing to a therapeutic walk in the woods.
It may sound like a fictional destination now, but it could soon become available just off the coast of the country's southern coast.
South Gyeongsang Province officials said Monday that they're reviewing creating a vacation island as part of their ``South Seaside Project,'' which is aimed at ramping up the competitiveness and attractiveness of the coastal region.
Provincial authorities will review the project details by the end of this year and decide which area to develop as the paradise destination dubbed ``Diet Island.''
Four islands are currently under review and the decision will largely be based on location, proximity to land and natural scenery, according to the officials.
They say the southern coastal province is envisioning a getaway equipped with a complete range of entertainment and leisure facilities, including beaches, bike trails and a water sports center.
A health-focused zone will be set aside, where visitors can be treated with Oriental medicine and enjoy healthy food to improve their diet.
Approximately 30 billion won ($25.7 million) is expected to be spent on the public project.
The province says private companies will also be invited to participate in the development by building lodging facilities and running water sports operations.
``Our feasibility studies tell us that there is a strong need for such a large-scale project on the southern coast, but a considerable amount of time will be needed to get the construction moving forward due to regulations related to coastal developments,'' said an official.