Blue Flag certification from EEF

A beach in Wando-gun (county), South Jeolla Province, proved the best-eco-friendly beach in Korea.

Wando-gun has announced that its Shinjimyeong Sasimri Beach gained Blue Flag certification from the international headquarters of the EEF (Environmental Education Foundation) in Denmark. The Wando beach is the first Korean beach to gain the Blue Flag certification, which is only granted to eco-friendly beaches.

Shinjimyeong Sasimri Beach in Wando-gun(county) was certified internationally as an eco-friendly beach for the first time in Korea.

The Blue Flag certification covered more nearly 100 items, including safety, environment and water quality management, according to Wando-gun officials. Of note, water quality of beaches is assessed under WHO (World Health Organization) standards, which are more rigorous than Korean standards. Meanwhile, safety of beaches are assessed in line with tough ISO (International Standards Organization) standards.

Wando-gun officials said Shinjimyeong Sasimri Beach was highly valued for its rich oxygen anions called "air vitamins" and its natural beauty, including fine grains of sand, forests and trails around it, and was certified as Blue Flag after rigorous evaluation.

Shinjimyeong Sasimnri Beach in Wando-gun was highly valued for its rich oxygen anions called "air vitamins" and its natural beauty, including fine grains of sand, forests and trails around it, and was certified as Blue Flag after rigorous evaluation.

Blue Flag is an internationally authoritative certification, a Wando-gun official said. "It is the first time in Korea that a beach has been certified and the second in Asia after Japan.

The FEE's international certification review centers around the earth, with the Northern Hemisphere taking place in the first half of every year and the Southern Hemisphere in the second half, and is certified by the FEE International General Assembly through rigorous and fair final screening after screening by the pre-FEE Korea.

Wando County held a declaration ceremony for the first Blue Flag certification in Korea, along with the seasonal opening of Sinjimyeong Sashimri Beach on July 27.The Blue Flag international certification system remains in effect in some 45 countries around the world.The declaration ceremony featured a video message from CEO of the International Headquarters of the Environmental Education Foundation. The ceremony was followed by “COOL” concert which featured K-Pop stars.

Wando County is running a “summer and rest sea healing experience zone' in the Shinjimyeong Sasimri Beach. The program features various marine healing programs such as Nordic walking, beach pilates and beach dancing. Also included are sand baths and kelp pools, People of all ages can participate in the marine healing experience zone activity. The experience zone will open daily until Aug. 18. The beach attracts some 600,000 bathers and tourists annually.

"The Blue Flag International Certification, which is awarded only to environment friendly beaches, gives us the best brand benefit,” said Wando County chief Shin Woo-chul . “In Wando County, we are focusing on the promotion of marine healing sector, which aims to treat chronic diseases using various marine resources in a clean marine environment. The Blue Flag certification is expected to bring greater synergy to our marine healing industry,” he said.

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