Plans are afoot to develop parts of a sprawling archipelago in the sea near Yeosu, South Jeolla Province into tourism resources. The waters contain over 310 uninhabited islands, some featuring stunning scenery, and the provincial government aims to build up facilities at a select few to attract Chinese visitors given the recent boom in outbound tourism from the country.

The local authority has teamed up with the Ministry of Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs to promote the scenic islands as Chinese holidaymakers continue to pour into Korea and hot spots such as Jeju Island.

Dodeok Island in South Jeolla Province (insert) and an artist's impression of the island after it is developed into a tourism resource. /Courtesy of South Jeolla Provincial Government

Many are expected to visit the southwestern city during the Yeosu Expo, which is scheduled to run for three months from May. The number of Chinese visitors grew from 1.34 million in 2009 to 1.87 million in 2010. As of September this year, the figure stood at 1.68 million. For the whole year, they are expected to contribute more than W2 trillion (US$1=W1,139) to the Korean economy.

Centering on some of the islands that are more accessible and easier to develop, the ministry plans to create a diverse list of tour programs including island treks, eco-friendly programs and maritime sports activities. According to the plan, yachts will shuttle visitors between the islands and the mainland free of charge.

But some critics have expressed concern about the risk of environmental damage. In response, the ministry conducted a survey on 680 of the 2,900 or so uninhabited islands in the seas off Korea and put 170 on a protected list, meaning development is prohibited in these areas to conserve the environment.

The rest have been categorized as appropriate for development, but the ministry plans to issue clear guidelines to make sure this is done in a sustainable and non-harmful manner.