Omado Reclamation Project (1962)
Omado Reclamation Project(1962)
Omado (five horse island) was named for resembling a horse when five islands (Gobaldo, Boonmaedo, Omado, Odongdo, Byeoruseom) were linked along the coast.
Background
Lawmaker Son Moongyeong, whose electorate was Goheung, suggested to Director Cho Changwon that the project will help inhabitants to earn their own living. The reclamation project could be carried out as it was in line with the government's policies to promote rehabilitation of former patients, who recovered from Hansen’s disease, to the society.
Project Overview
Project Goal
Development
The Omado Reclamation Project, which raised expectation for developing an ideal farming village where former Hansen's disease patients can blend in with other residents and producing about 2,500 tons of grains, was carried out on ardent hope of Sorokdo inhabitants.
However, the project hit a wall of reality, including sinking of water breaks due to natural disaster, drowning accidents, unpaid wages due to the lack of budget, technological shortages, and resistance of nearby residents. Media also began to change their stance, reporting that Omado Reclamation Project seemed impossible to be carried on.
Contrary to patients’ expectations, the project was transferred to Jeollanam-do on July 25, 1964 due to many hardships and in November 1964, the news came that a decision was made not to accommodate Hansen's disease patients in the land.
Dejected patients sent a petition to the then ruling party to ask why the project was transferred to Jeollanam-do, but in vain. Omado, developed on the patients’ blood and sweat, remains as Your Paradise, nonchalantly watching Sorokdo from across the sea.
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