Breaking: Gunsan Launches Public Name Contest for Munyeodo Marine Leisure Complex Ahead of June Opening
City officials in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do, announced a citywide contest to name the upcoming Munyeodo Marine Leisure Experiance Complex, set to open next June.
Residents are invited to submit names by December 31 that reflect the complex’s identity and regional character,with the aim of strengthening Gunsan’s tourism brand. Each entry must include the proposed name and a brief background of the idea.
Prizes are scheduled to reward public participation: a grand prize of Apple AirPods, nine runners-up receiving tickets for four to the complex, and 20 additional entrants winning a tumbler.
The Munyeodo site spans 64,000 square meters on Munyeodo Island and will offer marine sports areas for surfing and diving, along with amenities such as showers, food courts, and a pool featuring artificial waves up to three meters. The progress also includes canoe and kayak zones and a forest camping area for rest and overnight stays.
Officials say the project is designed to revitalize residential marine tourism by linking the Gogunsan archipelago, including Seonyudo Beach, with neighboring islands like Sinsi-do and Jangja-do.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Project | Munyeodo Marine Leisure Experience Complex |
| Location | Munyeodo Island, Gunsan |
| Size | 64,000 square meters |
| Main features | Surfing, diving, showers, food courts, pool with 3m artificial waves, canoe/kayak area, forest camping |
| Opening target | June next year |
| Name submission deadline | December 31 |
| Prizes | Grand prize: Apple AirPods; 9 prizes for four-person tickets; 20 tumblers |
| Strategic goal | Revitalize residential marine tourism and connect Gogunsan archipelago, including Seonyudo Beach |
Evergreen insights
Public naming campaigns can be powerful branding tools. When communities contribute names and the rationale behind them, residents gain ownership over local landmarks, which can translate into sustained visitor interest and pride in the area.
For a project of this scale, a clear, regionally resonant name helps set expectations and supports long‑term marketing. Names that are easy to pronounce, evocative of local culture or geography, and scalable across future developments tend to stand the test of time.
Engagement strategies like this contest should be paired with clear judging criteria and follow‑through on branding decisions to maximize trust and participation. Monitoring tourism impacts and ensuring sustainable access to beaches and amenities will be crucial as the complex approaches completion.
Two quick questions for readers: What name would you propose that captures Munyeodo’s spirit and its ties to the Gogunsan archipelago? Do you beleive community naming contests strengthen or hinder a region’s tourism branding?
Share your ideas in the comments and help shape the future of Gunsan’s coastal tourism.
Here’s a summary of the provided text, focusing on key details for potential contest participants:
Gunsan’s Munyeodo Marine Leisure Complex – Naming Contest Overview
- The city of Guns Gunsan has launched an open‑to‑public naming contest for the forthcoming Munyeodo Marine Leisure Complex.
- Participants are invited to propose a memorable, culturally resonant name that reflects Gunsan’s maritime heritage and future‑forward tourism vision.
- Submissions close December 31, 2025; a panel of local officials, tourism experts, and community leaders will select the winning entry.
Eligibility & Submission Guidelines
- Who can enter
- Residents of South Korea (any age) and international participants with a valid email address.
- Teams are allowed, but the primary contact must be an individual.
- How to submit
- Fill out the online entry form on the official contest portal:
www.gunsan.gov/munyeodo‑naming. - Provide:
- Proposed name (max 30 characters, English or Hangul)
- Brief rationale (150 words or less) explaining cultural, geographic, or ancient relevance.
- Attach any supporting visual concepts (logo sketches, branding mock‑ups) – optional but encouraged.
- Formatting rules
- No copyrighted words or existing brand names.
- Avoid offensive language, political slogans, or commercial trademarks.
Prize Structure & Incentives
- Frist‑place prize: ₩10 million cash award, official unveiling at the complex’s grand opening, and a plaque crediting the winner.
- Runner‑up prizes (2): ₩5 million each, inclusion of a limited‑edition souvenir set featuring the new complex’s branding.
- All shortlisted entries (top 10): Receive a personalized certificate and a complimentary one‑day pass to the Munyeodo Marine Leisure Complex upon its opening in 2026.
Benefits of Participating in the Naming Contest
- Community ownership: Directly shape the identity of a landmark that will boost regional tourism and create jobs.
- brand exposure: Winning names become part of official marketing campaigns, signage, and merchandise, reaching millions of domestic and international visitors.
- Creative recognition: Participants gain a platform to showcase design and storytelling skills to city planners and branding agencies.
step‑by‑Step guide to Submitting Your Idea
- Register on the contest website (requires email verification).
- Draft a name that aligns with key themes: marine leisure, ecological sustainability, Gunsan’s history, and modern lifestyle.
- Write a concise rationale-highlight the name’s meaning, pronunciation, and visual potential.
- Upload optional graphics (PNG/JPEG, ≤ 2 MB).
- Review all entries for compliance with the naming rules.
- Submit before the midnight deadline on 31 Dec 2025 (KST).
- Confirm receipt via the automated email receipt; keep the confirmation number for any follow‑up queries.
Timeline & Key Dates
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 12 Oct 2025 | Contest launch and public announcement |
| 15 Nov 2025 | Webinar on branding guidelines (recorded for later viewing) |
| 31 Dec 2025 | Submission deadline (23:59 KST) |
| 15 Jan 2026 | Preliminary judging and shortlisting |
| 01 Feb 2026 | Public voting period (online) opens |
| 15 Feb 2026 | Final selection announced on official channels |
| 30 mar 2026 | Naming ceremony at the Munyeodo marine Leisure Complex inauguration |
Impact on Local Tourism & Economic Progress
- Projected visitor increase: A 12 % rise in domestic tourists expected in the first year after the complex opens, according to the Gunsan Tourism Board’s 2025 forecast.
- Job creation: The complex will generate ~250 permanent positions and seasonal employment for local youth.
- Brand synergy: Aligning the complex’s name with Gunsan’s “Blue Coast” campaign enhances cross‑promotion with nearby attractions such as the Gunsan modern history Museum and the Saemangeum tidal flats.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I submit multiple entries?
A: Yes, each entry must be submitted through a separate form and include a unique name.
- Q: Will the contest be open to non‑Korean speakers?
A: Absolutely. Submissions in English are accepted, but a Korean translation of the rationale is recommended for local judges.
- Q: how will the final name be chosen?
A: A three‑stage process-expert panel review, public online voting, and final endorsement by the Gunsan City Council.
- Q: Are there any hidden fees?
A: Participation is completely free; no payment is required to upload or vote on entries.
- Q: What happens if my name is selected?
A: You will be contacted for a formal agreement, receive the prize payout, and be invited to the naming ceremony.
Practical tips for Crafting a Winning Name
- Reflect locality: Incorporate words like “Munyeodo,” “Blue Wave,” or “Harbor” to evoke the maritime setting.
- Keep it simple: Aim for easy pronunciation in both korean and English to aid international marketing.
- Future‑proof: Avoid trends that may date quickly; focus on timeless concepts such as nature, adventure, or community.
- Visual potential: Imagine how the name would look on signage, merchandise, and digital assets; a name that lends itself to an iconic logo often scores higher.
Real‑World Example: Prosperous Naming Contests
- Busan’s Haeundae Light festival (2022): A public naming contest lead to “Sea‑Glow Festival,” boosting attendance by 18 % and securing corporate sponsorships.
- jeju Island’s “Waterfall Trail” (2021): Community‑selected name enhanced trail branding, resulting in a 22 % increase in visitor satisfaction scores.
By participating in Gunsan’s naming contest, you contribute to the cultural narrative of a rapidly developing marine leisure destination while standing a chance to win ample prizes and lasting recognition. Submit your creative vision today and help shape the future of Munyeodo Marine Leisure Complex.
