Gyeonggi Clean Sea Project

Some coastal areas in South Korea are suffering from pollution in the ocean, mostly resulted by marine plastic waste. What are the ways to overcome?

The Gyeonggi Provincial Government announced on the 10th of January that the name of the Gyeonggi maritime cleanup ship, introduced to clean coastal waters, has been selected; henceforth, this vessel will be known as “Gyeonggi Chungjeong-ho (경기청정호).” The name of the ship was selected through a contest in which Mrs. Cho Eun-hye submitted the winning entry and won first prize.

Gyeonggi Maritime Cleanup Ship

According to research undertaken by the Korea Marine Environment Management Corporation, 145 thousand tons of waste are dumped in Korean waters. In order to clean up maritime waste and preserve the marine environment. Gyeonggi Province has been engaged in various efforts, including the maritime waste cleanup project and the marine environment protection initiative known as the ‘Clean Sea Project’. The Gyeonggi maritime cleanup ship launched on the 22nd of December last year is part of this project. 

 

Gyeonggi-do has launched the 'Clean Sea Project' on the 22nd of December, 2020.
ⓒGyeonggi Province

Under the Clean Sea Project, the province has been inspecting illegal activities along coastal areas, removing illegal operations and facilities, and cracking down on illegal fishing. Moreover, from 2021, Gyeonggi will engage in direct maritime waste removal with the launch of the Gyeonggi Chungjeong-ho.

The Gyeonggi Chungjeong-ho is a 154-ton vessel that is 33 meters long and 9 meters wide. It is equipped with maritime waste collection equipment including an excavator, a crane, and a submersible as well as a stereoscopic sonar to facilitate the search for maritime waste.

The ship can carry 100 tons of waste and will operate 150 days a year to collect 100 to 200 tons of waste from the coastal waters of Gyeonggi. In addition, the ship will also transport garbage from island communities and aid with the dredging of silt at ports.

Where to Visit the Sea in Gyeonggi

Thanks to the Clean Sea Project, travel spots along the coast of Gyeonggi Province are being restored and maintained. Here are four recommended places to visit on the west coast of Gyeonggi. 

 

Oido Island
ⓒGyeonggi Tourism Organization

Oido Island: A Great Place for the Ebbing Tide

Siheung City’s Oido Island is easily accessible for one-day trips by subway from Seoul. It consists of a low mountainous area that is about 72 meters above sea level, and the east side of the island is linked with the mainland via land reclamation processes undertaken during the Japanese colonial era (but it is still called an 'island'). There is a trail along the beach that is ideal for enjoying the winter sea. Recently, people have been visiting Oido Island to take in the night view of the newly built Songdo International City in Icheon.

Jebudo Island
ⓒGyeonggi Tourism Organization

Miracle of Moses: Jebudo Island

Hwaseong City’s Jebudo Island is a tidal island that can be reached on foot twice a day. In the late 1980s, the road running between the mainland and the island was paved so as to allow vehicle access. The feeling of crossing the vast mudflats along this road is unique, and the coastal trail is another attraction to be checked out. From the beach to the dock, you can enjoy a simultaneous view of the island and the ebbing tide. The time of low tide varies slightly every day, so you should check tidal schedules in advance before visiting.

Daebudo Island
ⓒGyeonggi Tourism Organization

Three Islands at Once: Daebudo Island

Ansan City’s Daebudo Island is linked to the mainland via the Sihwa seawall. It is worthwhile to drive onto the island as the seawall road offers breathtaking views. You can also visit Incheon City’s Seonjae Island and Yeongheung Island, which are also connected by bridge. This way, you can enjoy the winter sea of several islands at the same time. Recently, large accommodations have been constructed in the area, making it popular as a two-day, one-night destination near Seoul where one can enjoy the sea.

Gukhwado Island
ⓒGyeonggi Tourism Organization

Popular Sunrise Site: Gukhwado Island

Hwaseong City’s Gukhwado Island lies within the jurisdiction of Gyeonggi Province, but it is actually closer to Dangjin County in South Chungcheong Province. It is about 20 minutes by boat from Janggohang Port in Dangjin and about an hour from the port in Hwaseong. There are only about 60 residents on the island, and it is recommended for those who want to escape from the busy lifestyle of urban areas to the serenity of the island. Gukhwado Island is also very famous for the sunset views on its eastern side.