Jeju Island is one of the 28 finalists for the New7Wonders of Nature. Voting is now under way to select the final seven on Nov. 11 next year.
Koreans are proud that the island is competing with the Amazon, Dead Sea, Galapagos Islands, Grand Canyon, Great Barrier Reef, Iguazu Falls, Kilimanjaro, and other natural wonders worldwide. It is currently running in 13th place.
Jeju belated named former Prime Minister Chung Un-chan as an ambassador for the scenic island in the international New7Wonders of Nature campaign. Chung said Jeju is undervalued and under-appreciated worldwide. He will campaign to promote the true beauty of the island. He appealed to Chinese, Japanese and other Asian citizens to vote for the island.
He said if crowned a New7Wonders of Nature, the island will see substantial benefits that will last from generation to generation. It will not only stimulate tourism but also upgrade the prestige and brand power of South Korea.
It would not be a one-time honor like an international sports competition. It would be an eternal pride, glory and asset of the country.
Seoul’s brand image jumped by 900 billion won after the city was named the World Design Capital this year.
A Swiss-based government-controlled foundation has been organizing the contest since 2007. The beauty of Jeju is sometimes less appreciated by locals than by foreigners.
UNESCO has already recognized its untapped natural beauty. The Olle trails have wowed trekkers. The central government should stand behind Jeju’s campaign.
Jeju must ponder whether the beauty of the island is undervalued worldwide for its poor marketing campaign. Foreigners in Korea and foreign visitors to the island are encouraged to join in the online voting as they receive a heavy weighting in online voting.