Shinan county in the news today.

Today, if I correctly assume the article posted yesterday evening refers to Tuesday, some folks from UNESCO will decide if Jeollanam-do's Shinan county will become a protected biosphere reserve. In Korean here, from the Jeonnam Ilbo. I've always said that if I get a block of spare time---and I might later this year---I'd like to visit some of the more remote islands off the coast of Jeollanam-do, and those in Shinan county certainly qualify. With some Googling and Navering you'll find more about Heuksan-do, Hong-do, and Bigeum-do, the latter a favorite among foreigners in Mokpo.

Since we're here, I'll add this article, which I meant to post a few weeks ago but I was in a bad mood so I didn't.

The government will allow the construction of hotels and other tourist accommodations at seashores and on islands inside national parks from next year, the Ministry of Environment said Monday.

Parks that are popular holiday destinations such as Hallyeohaesang in South Gyeongsang Province, Byeonsanbando in North Jeolla Province, Taeanhaean in South Chugncheong Province and Daedohaesang in South Jeolla Province will thus be able to attract more tourists, it said.

The announcement follows public complaints that there were insufficient places for people to stay after visiting the parks.

People willing to set up lodging facilities will be required to file for an environmental inspection by the local administrative office.

I guess the scare accomodations on these outlying islands in Jeollanam-do could be prohibitive, but you just have to make do. Not everything needs to be a goddamn resort.