Hotels Can Build Seashore National Parks
By Bae Ji-sook
Staff Reporter
The government will allow the construction of hotels and other tourist accommodations at seashores and on islands inside national parks from next year, the Ministry of Environment said Monday.
Parks that are popular holiday destinations such as Hallyeohaesang in South Gyeongsang Province, Byeonsanbando in North Jeolla Province, Taeanhaean in South Chugncheong Province and Daedohaesang in South Jeolla Province will thus be able to attract more tourists, it said.
The announcement follows public complaints that there were insufficient places for people to stay after visiting the parks.
People willing to set up lodging facilities will be required to file for an environmental inspection by the local administrative office.
Building restrictions will remain in place in other national parks and in locations away from the seashore.
The authorities will also permit parks to install up to 5-kilometer-long cable cars on mountains.
``Now state-of-the-art skills can reduce damage to the environment and the facilities will let elderly and disabled citizens enjoy the scenery,'' said Oh Young-sang, Korea National Park Corp. spokesman.
``The lines will not reach the peaks of the mountains, keeping the real environment clean and saving the vista,'' he added.