Ocean Palette Marine Leisure Complex Opens on Munyeo Island, Gunsan

A Total Project Cost of 42.7 Billion Won Invested
Anticipation Grows for a Stay-Type Tourism Hub on the West Coast

In this season when the sound of waves mixes with children's laughter, a space capturing the essence of summer has opened off the coast of Munyeo Island in Gunsan, North Jeolla Province. The marine leisure complex tourism facility 'Ocean Palette', developed by Gunsan City, officially opened on July 10, ushering in a new era for stay-type tourism along the west coast.

The marine leisure complex tourism facility "Ocean Palette," developed by Gunsan City, officially opened on the 10th. Photo by Gunsan City Hall

With a wave pool featuring artificial waves, an infinity pool seemingly connecting sea and sky, and a surfing area where visitors can ride through blue waters, Ocean Palette lives up to its name by laying out a vibrant palette over the sea. It is also equipped with a diving pool, leisure lake, forest campground, and aqua café, making it an all-day destination full of activities and never a dull moment.

Ocean Palette is the result of the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries' marine leisure tourism hub development project. Selected as a national pilot project site in 2018, it came to fruition after years of preparation. Among the nine local governments currently advancing similar projects nationwide, Gunsan completed its facility first. With a total project cost of 42.7 billion won, this complex has established itself as the largest marine leisure tourism complex on the west coast.

The opening ceremony was attended by Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jongwoo, Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province Governor Lee Wontack, Gunsan Mayor Kim Jaejun, National Assemblyman Kim Eui-gyeom, city and provincial council members, local residents, and around 200 people in total, celebrating the arrival of a new summer destination.

Gunsan City plans to further develop Ocean Palette as a stay-type tourism hub, linking it with attractions such as Seonyudo Beach and the Gogunsan Archipelago to encourage longer visits. The city aims to expand experiential water facilities for families, introduce unique marine leisure programs each season, and gradually enhance rest and experience facilities, making Ocean Palette a year-round destination.

Just as Yangyang in Gangwon has become known for surfing and Boryeong in South Chungcheong for marine leisure, there are high expectations that Gunsan will emerge as a representative summer travel destination on the west coast through Ocean Palette.

Kim Jaejun, Mayor of Gunsan, stated, "We will foster Ocean Palette as a growth engine for marine tourism that invigorates the local economy. If tourism content connecting Seonyudo Beach with the Gogunsan Archipelago, Maldo, Myeongdo, and Bangchukdo is also activated, Gunsan can take another step forward as a representative stay-type marine tourism city in Korea."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.