Gyeongsangnam-do Province is set to actively promote the marine leisure tourism industry following the transfer of authority for the registration and management of marina businesses from the central government to local administrations. Leveraging the stunning scenery of the southern coastline and its abundant infrastructure, including marina facilities, the province plans to attract world-class marine sports competitions and grow into a global marine leisure tourism city.
On May 8th, Gyeongsangnam-do announced that it will co-host the '2025 South Coast Cup International Yacht Race' in June with Busan Metropolitan City and Jeollanam-do Province, which also border the southern coast. The race will commence in Tongyeong and follow a sea route connecting Haeundae in Busan and Yeosu in Jeollanam-do, aiming to showcase the beautiful natural environment and marine leisure infrastructure of the southern coast to the world.
Gyeongsangnam-do operates 21 of the 71 marina facilities nationwide and has 64 registered marina businesses, the second largest number in the country. With 6,000 leisure boats, the province boasts a robust marine leisure infrastructure.
Following this, the '19th Yi Sun-sin Admiral Cup International Yacht Race' will be held in Tongyeong in November. In April of next year, the 'Clipper Round the World Yacht Race', the world's largest of its kind, has selected Tongyeong as an Asian stopover, bringing marine explorers from around the globe to the southern coast.
To expand marine leisure content, the province is also actively promoting island tourism. Gyeongsangnam-do has the second-largest number of islands nationwide, with 554. To systematically develop these into tourism resources, the province is formulating the 'Gyeongnam Island Tourism Development Plan' in collaboration with seven cities and counties in the southern coastal region, with completion targeted for June. Under the vision of 'Stay One More Day, Remember One More Day, 367 Days of Gyeongnam Sea', the plan focuses on attracting private investment, creating jobs, and harmonizing development with preservation to foster island tourism hubs. As a representative hub, the province plans to develop Sinsudo Island in Sacheon into a marine family park.
To attract tourists, the province will introduce themed beaches this year. Myeongsa Beach in Geoje will feature 'Daengsuyokjang', a beach exclusively for pets, while Sangju and Songjeong Beaches in Namhae will offer unique beaches incorporating leisure and healing themes to cater to diverse demands and enhance regional tourism competitiveness.
A contest to support local tourism companies in developing marine tourism products will also be held this month. Previously, Gyeongsangnam-do launched outdoor marine tourism products through the Xcru platform from April to November, aiming to create a boom in marine tourism. Key products include 'Nyamnyamhae' utilizing Namhae's culinary content, 'Daittji Tongyeong' highlighting Tongyeong's "dachi" culture where side dishes are served with drinks, 'Friendship Saryangdo' set on Saryangdo Island, and 'Desire Treasure Island Yokjido' taking place on Yokjido Island.
Kim Sang-won, Director of the Tourism Development Bureau of Gyeongsangnam-do, stated, "The transfer of marina business authority to local governments and the successive hosting of world-class marine sports competitions mark a new starting point for marine leisure tourism in Gyeongsangnam-do. Based on Gyeongsangnam-do's unique marina infrastructure and the blessed marine resources, we will leap forward as a global hub for marine leisure."
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