South Korean Council Member Pushes for Tourism, Healthcare, and Library Improvements in Sancheong

Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea – November 30, 2025 – council Member Shin Jong-cheol of the Gyeongsangnam-do Provincial council is spearheading efforts to address critical regional issues in sancheong-gun, focusing on bolstering tourism around Jirisan Mountain, bridging gaps in essential medical services, and upgrading the aging Sancheong Library. During a recent provincial government question session, Shin outlined a comprehensive plan to revitalize the region and improve the quality of life for its residents.

A key component of Shin’s strategy centers on the proposed jirisan cable car project. While the Gyeongnam Province has applied for a national park plan modification and anticipates 470,000 annual visitors and a 36.5 billion won economic impact, Shin stressed the importance of balancing economic growth with environmental preservation and securing local community support. He advocated for a broader tourism approach, including the Baekdudaegan V-Healing Road, Jirisan ESG value travel, wellness retreats, and the advancement of “K-stay” destinations to encourage extended stays.

Addressing concerns about healthcare accessibility, Shin highlighted the long-term nature of the government’s local doctor system – a solution he believes won’t yield results for at least a decade. He urged the provincial government to implement immediate measures, such as increased support for

How can structural improvements in Jirisan address the seasonal fluctuations currently limiting economic benefits from tourism?

Enhancing Tourism, Medical Care, and Education in the Jirisan region: Urgent Need for Structural Improvement

Jirisan’s Tourism Potential: Beyond Scenic Beauty

The Jirisan region, a national park and mountainous area spanning across three provinces in South Korea (North Jeolla, South Jeolla, and North Gyeongsang), possesses immense potential for sustainable tourism. Though, realizing this potential requires addressing critical infrastructure gaps and diversifying offerings beyond its renowned natural landscapes. Current tourism largely centers around hiking and temple stays, limiting economic benefits and creating seasonal fluctuations.

* Eco-tourism Growth: Expanding eco-tourism initiatives, focusing on responsible travel and conservation, can attract a wider demographic. This includes guided nature walks, birdwatching tours, and educational programs on local flora and fauna.

* Cultural Tourism Enhancement: Promoting the region’s rich cultural heritage – conventional villages, local crafts, and historical sites – is crucial. Investment in preserving and showcasing these assets will attract culturally-minded tourists.

* Accessibility Improvements: Improving transportation links, particularly public transport, to and within the Jirisan region is paramount. This includes better road networks, bus services, and potentially, a light rail system connecting key tourist destinations.

* Accommodation Diversification: Moving beyond basic lodging options to include boutique hotels, guesthouses with unique themes, and glamping sites can cater to diverse traveler preferences.

Addressing Healthcare Disparities in Rural Jirisan

Access to quality medical care remains a meaningful challenge for residents of the Jirisan region.The area’s remote and mountainous terrain, coupled with an aging population, exacerbates existing healthcare disparities. Shin Jong-cheol’s focus on regional development highlights the urgency of this issue.

* Telemedicine Implementation: Expanding telemedicine services can bridge the gap in access to specialist care. Remote consultations, diagnosis, and monitoring can significantly improve healthcare outcomes for residents in remote areas.

* Mobile Healthcare Clinics: Deploying mobile healthcare clinics equipped with essential medical equipment and staffed by healthcare professionals can provide on-site medical services to underserved communities.

* Incentivizing Healthcare Professionals: Offering financial incentives, housing assistance, and professional development opportunities can attract and retain doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to work in the Jirisan region.

* Strengthening Rural Healthcare Facilities: Upgrading existing rural clinics and hospitals with modern equipment and improved infrastructure is essential. This includes investing in emergency medical services and ambulance networks.

* Preventative Healthcare Programs: Implementing preventative healthcare programs focused on early detection and management of chronic diseases can reduce the burden on the healthcare system.

revitalizing Education in the Jirisan Region

Educational opportunities in the Jirisan region lag behind those in urban areas, contributing to a brain drain and hindering socio-economic development. Improving the quality of education and providing access to diverse learning opportunities are vital for the region’s future.

* Investing in School Infrastructure: Modernizing school facilities, providing access to technology (computers, internet), and creating stimulating learning environments are crucial.

* teacher Training and Development: Providing ongoing professional development opportunities for teachers, focusing on innovative teaching methods and curriculum development, is essential.

* Vocational Training Programs: Expanding vocational training programs aligned with the region’s economic needs – agriculture,tourism,forestry – can equip students with marketable skills.

* Online Learning Platforms: Utilizing online learning platforms can provide access to a wider range of courses and educational resources, particularly for students in remote areas.

* Scholarship Programs: Establishing scholarship programs can encourage students to pursue higher education and return to contribute to the region’s development.

* STEM Education Focus: Prioritizing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education can prepare students for future job opportunities in emerging industries.

The Role of Technology in Regional Improvement

Integrating smart technologies can significantly enhance tourism, healthcare, and education in Jirisan.

* Smart Tourism Platforms: Developing mobile apps and online platforms providing real-time details on tourist attractions, transportation, accommodation, and local events.

* IoT-Enabled Healthcare Monitoring: Utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) devices for remote patient monitoring, enabling early detection of health issues and proactive intervention.

* Digital Literacy Programs: Implementing digital literacy programs for residents of all ages, equipping them with the skills to utilize technology for education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.

* Smart Agriculture Initiatives: Promoting the adoption of smart agriculture technologies – precision farming, automated irrigation – to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability.

Case Study: Successful Rural Development in Japan

The revitalization of rural areas in Japan, particularly through initiatives focused on eco-tourism and local cultural preservation, offers valuable lessons for the Jirisan region. The “Satoyama” initiative, such as, promotes sustainable land management practices that balance environmental conservation with economic development.This model emphasizes community involvement and the preservation of traditional lifestyles, attracting tourists seeking authentic experiences. Applying similar principles in Jirisan – fostering community-based tourism and preserving the region