Peter Dae Young Kang
Chief Executive Officer, Foundation for Environmental Education Korea
Chief Executive Officer, Foundation for Environmental Education Korea
Hello, everyone. First, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Japan Blue Flag Association and to all those involved in organizing this summit. This opportunity for countries across Asia, including Japan, India, Taiwan, and South Korea, to gather and exchange views on Blue Flag and sustainability is truly invaluable.
While the previous presentation focused on the natural environment, this presentation will introduce Korea’s initiatives from a broader perspective that includes branding, marketing, beach management, and tourism in addition to the environment.
According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), approximately 73% of international tourists seek out sustainable destinations, and environmental consideration is becoming a prerequisite for tourism. This is a critical factor directly linked to a destination’s competitiveness.
The first Blue Flag-certified location in Korea was Sinji Myeongsasipri Beach in Wando County, Jeollanam-do. In this area, marketing campaigns were implemented, featuring the Smurfs characters and using them on signage, educational materials, and as tourism resources to raise awareness of Blue Flag in an accessible way for everyone, from children to adults. The beach has also gained popularity as a photo spot, which has helped promote it.
FEE Korea was established in 2016 and currently operates as a member of the international network comprising 85 countries. It runs programs such as Blue Flag, Green Key, Eco-Schools, YRE, and LEAF, and by coordinating these initiatives, we can generate greater synergistic effects.
Currently, there are approximately 271 registered beaches in Korea (about 400 when unregistered ones are included), visited by approximately 55 million people annually. Against this backdrop, Wando County adopted the Blue Flag Programme under the brand slogan “Capital of Clean Ocean.”
Before its adoption, there were no clear standards beyond water quality and the condition of the sandy beaches, and safety management and environmental measures were insufficient. Therefore, the county adopted the Blue Flag, an international eco-label, to demonstrate the region’s value through objective evaluation.
Among the Blue Flag criteria, “Water Quality,” “Safety,” “Environmental Education,” and “Accessibility” were given particular emphasis for the beach. Regarding water quality, while South Korea had previously used EPA standards, the importance of management aligned with international standards was recognized through comparison with the stricter WHO standards.
In terms of safety, we introduced risk assessments in line with ISO 31000 and adopted a system that scientifically determines the placement of lifeguards and facilities. By moving away from operations reliant on conventional rules of thumb, we can now provide visitors with a high level of safety and reliability.
Additionally, as part of our environmental education initiatives, we are conducting activities that utilize the beach year-round. During the off-season, we implement programs that engage residents and children, providing educational opportunities aligned with the SDGs. Health programs such as Nordic walking have also been introduced, contributing to year-round tourism and the revitalization of the local economy.
Regarding accessibility, we are promoting the introduction of multilingual signage and pictograms for a diverse range of users, including international tourists. However, challenges remain in achieving full barrier-free accessibility, such as accommodations for wheelchair users, making this a key priority for the future.
In addition to environmental improvements of the beach, enhanced safety, and strengthened environmental education, the Blue Flag certification has also yielded economic benefits. In Wando County, for example, visitor numbers have increased by approximately 27%, contributing to tourism promotion.
Currently, there are five certified beaches in South Korea, with plans to expand further by 2026. Through collaboration with other eco-labels such as Green Key, efforts are underway to develop a sustainable tourism model that integrates accommodation facilities and educational activities.
I hope today’s presentation provides you with new perspectives and insights that you can apply to initiatives in your respective regions. Thank you very much.
