Jeonbuk special self-governing province in South Korea has announced plans to expand its marine leisure tourism industry, including the development of marinas, cruise facilities and coastal tourism projects. The provincial government aims to attract private investment, encourage longer visitor stays and increase spending at local businesses across the region.

Rendering of the proposed Gunghang marina in Buan County. Jeonbuk provincial government.

Despite its coastal tourism attractions, Jeonbuk has a relatively small share of South Korea’s marine tourism market. According to figures cited by the provincial government, marine tourism spending in the province reached 836.8 billion KRW (about $632 million USD) in 2024, representing 2.1 percent of the national total. Its marine leisure industrial base also remains limited, with five marina operators and 24 water leisure businesses.

To address the gaps, the province plans to build on existing tourism facilities and recreational programmes by developing related industries, attracting private investment and encouraging more participation from local businesses. The aim is to attract more visitors, extend their stays and increase tourism spending across the region.

With an estimated private investment of 98.7 billion KRW ($74 million) between 2027 and 2030, the Gunghang marina project in Buan County will provide 131 berths, a clubhouse and other facilities. The project was added to the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries’ second basic plan for marina ports in 2020, and a competition for private developers is under way until December 2026. Construction is expected to begin in 2029, subject to developer selection and government approvals. Jeonbuk also plans to develop tourism activities around the marina, connecting yachting and sailing experiences to nearby attractions such as Byeonsan, Gyeokpo and Chaeseokgang, supported by further private investment in accommodation, shops and leisure facilities.

The province also plans to develop international cruise tourism at Saemangeum New Port, allocating 8 billion KRW ($6 million) for customs, immigration and quarantine facilities between 2027 and 2028. In Gochang County, a separate 30 billion KRW ($22 million) project will establish a 6,000sqm marine healing centre between 2027 and 2031, offering wellness activities using seawater and tidal flats, alongside research and educational facilities.

For its longer-term projects, Jeonbuk is considering tourism development across the Gogunsan Archipelago, including the Sinsi-Yami tourism and leisure zone, a private development plan valued at 2.2818 trillion KRW ($1.7 billion) for hotels, resorts, an artificial beach and commercial facilities. Other proposals cover cultural attractions at Maldo Lighthouse, outdoor art installations and seafood tourism. In Gimje, the province is also exploring the Simpo marina project, estimated at 273.2 billion KRW ($206 million) in private investment between 2031 and 2036, near the planned National Marine City Science Museum, a separate 135.4 billion KRW ($102 million) development scheduled for 2027 to 2031.