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March 16, 2009
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The local government of the West Coast area hit in 2007 by Korea’s worst oil spill is facing mounting concerns about an upcoming flower festival. Korea Floritopia 2009 is slated to be held in April and May on Anmyeon Island in Taean County, hosted by South Chungcheong Provincial Government and its Development Corporation. But as of last week, only 213,000 of 770,000 tickets had been sold, just 27.7 percent of the total. Only 56 foreign organizations and companies have officially registered to attend, 20 percent short of the goal. The aim of the event is to reinvigorate the regional economy after the oil spill late in 2007, and to boost the competitiveness of the domestic floricultural industry. But residents are concerned that the economic crisis may block them from their goal. “The rate of fishing boats leaving the port to catch fish has plummeted more than 50 percent compared to before the oil spill. If the festival does not stimulate the economy, things will get even worse,” said fisherman Han Seung-ok. South Chungcheong’s Governor Lee Wan-koo has already convened four emergency meetings to look at how the preparations for the exhibition are going. “We have invested about 20 billion won [$13.5 million] in this event. Not only Taean County, but the whole of South Chungcheong Province could suffer a severe blow if we fail to pull it off successfully,” said the governor. The local government has laid out a number of measures to boost ticket sales. It sent letters urging 1.2 million volunteer workers who helped clean up the oil-covered shoreline to come back for the event and get a discount on tickets. All ticket holders will also receive cheaper or free entrance to tourist attractions and recreational facilities in the province. The event will be held in the area around Kkotji Beach and the nearby arboretum. Over 100 million flowers, representing 57 different species, will be on display in seven indoor exhibition halls and 15 outdoor parks. It is hoped that the festival will cause an economic ripple effect of 160 billion won in the region. It will also create jobs for about 3,000 people. The festival starts on April 24 and runs for 27 days. By Kim Bang-hyeon Staff Reporter [smartpower@joongang.co.kr] |
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