Jeollanam-do looks to expand recreational boating industry.

A delegation from Jeollanam-do is visiting Australia to learn a little more about the recreational boating industry.

South Jeolla Province (Jeollanam-do) lies in the southwest corner of Korea and offers an ideal environment for recreational boating. The area features secluded bays and offshore islands and is at the southernmost point of the Korean peninsula. The province is a hub for the shipbuilding industry in Korea and features a number of active recreational boat and yacht manufacturers. The World Expo 2012 will be held in the province as well as the inaugural Korean F1 Grand Prix in 2010.

The recent Korea International Boat Show held from 3-7 June was a great success with total visitor numbers set to exceed the 300,000 recorded in 2008. The Show featured 438 companies including exhibitors, business visitors and conference delegates, representing 21 countries. Over 30 Australian companies traveled up to Korea for the event.

The marine boating industry is set to take off in Korea with its increasingly affluent 48 million population enjoying expanded leisure time. The sector is seen as an area of high potential growth and is currently attracting widespread government support. Some 26 marinas are currently planned for construction within the South Jeolla province alone.