Ulleung County head Choi Soo-il vowed to boost the local economy’s growth by pushing aggressively for major infrastructure and revitalizing the tourism industry.

He said his county will focus on building an airport on the island county, building more residential homes and renovating major roads.

Ulleung County, North Gyeongsang Province, has 43 islands including the easternmost islands Ulleungdo and Dokdo.

In an interview with The Korea Herald, Choi revealed the county’s course of direction for the Year of Monkey.

Following is an excerpt from the interview.

Korea Herald: How are social overhead capital facilities driven to revitalize the local economy?

Choi Soo-il: Our county has secured 22.5 billion won ($18.7 million) this year to build an airport which will boost our local economic growth. In addition, about 228.6 million won will be invested in the development of the Ulleung coastal port to receive large passenger vessels. About 129.4 billion won will be additionally invested in the road set to encircle Ulleungdo Island to further promote economic growth.

KH: How do you intend to promote the tourism industry?

Choi: We failed to attract more than 300,000 tourists for two consecutive years due to the Sewol ferry disaster and the outbreak of the Middle East respiratory syndrome. Cooperation with Gangwon Province to attract city dwellers and plans to lure foreign tourists from the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics are underway. Ulleung’s ecological facilities and sea caves will be developed to drive tourism as well.

KH: What are some plans in welfare administration?

Choi: Plans to support low-income individuals with health security are in progress to make sure that there are no dead zones within the system. Employment programs and social activities for the elderly will be supported to establish a system that guarantees a stable life.

KH: What are your measures to strengthen the agricultural and fishing industry?

Choi: To promote high-value agricultural products by switching to the eco-friendly industry, support will be generous. The administration will also strive to increase profits in the fishing industry by fostering the change from catching fish to fish farming.

KH: What are your plans to preserve the clean natural environment?

Choi: Ulleung County’s eco-friendly projects to create energy independence will start this year, and the county will seek to become an international designation for geological parks after the completion of Ulleungdo Island’s and Dokdo’s ecotourism projects and improved management on national geological parks.

KH: What are your efforts in raising awareness on Dokdo?

Choi: Cultural and educational events take place on the annual Dokdo Day to increase awareness domestically and internationally. Dokdo tours, exhibitions, and educational programs for civil servants will be promoted as well. The completion of the Dokdo volunteer forces memorial hall next year will further pronounce our will to secure Dokdo.

KH: Any parting words?

Choi: Public officials will be doing their best to work, but active citizen participation and support is needed to achieve a better Ulleung County. Public hearings, policy forums and citizen participation in budgeting will be created to implement public thought in administration.

By Kim Sung-kwon (ksg@heraldcorp.com) and Lee Seo-young (seoyounglee@heraldcorp.com)