The Myoungdong marina, promoted by Changwon City, has been designated an international marina district that will receive government support. Reinvigorating the marina industry is one of the 140 national assignments designated by the government to create a new growth engine for the maritime industry.

The government has designated six areas as international marina districts. The eastern, western, and southern coasts of Korea have two marina districts each.

The city’s initial plan is to construct seawalls and 50-ship mooring facilities to promote the marina industry. Its goal is to create a marina that can hold up to 300 ships by attracting private capital.

Changwon will prepare a basic plan for the marina district this year. It plans to provide incentives to private companies that are selected to build infrastructure for the district. It is anticipated that the designation of the port area, the preparation of execution drawings, the evaluation of environmental effects, and the construction of port facilities will consume a considerable amount of time. Considering that it has already completed an administrative procedure required for building seawalls, however, the city will be able to reduce the construction period.

“We will accelerate our efforts to complete the district. We aim to strengthen our reputation as an ocean leisure tourist city by holding various sports events,” said a municipal official.

Source: Newsis (Mar. 25, 2013)

** This article was translated from the Korean.