Gangchi Island, releasing worldwide on Netflix on August 10

'Gangchi Island', a marine fantasy animation set in the waters off Dokdo, is set to meet viewers worldwide through the global OTT platform Netflix. Gyeongsangbuk-do announced that the release of 'Gangchi Island' Season 1 on Netflix has been confirmed for August 10. Having built recognition through domestic terrestrial and cable channels such as KBS 2TV, Jaenung TV, and Channel A, this work is now poised to fully expand its global distribution network starting with its entry into Netflix.

Produced with the participation of Gyeongsangbuk-do and jointly completed by the Gyeongbuk Cultural Foundation Content Promotion Agency and the production company Pixel Planet Co., Ltd., this animation depicts the process of novice mage Gangchis attending a magic school in the waters off Dokdo as they grow into great mages who protect the sea. Moving beyond simple historical educational content, it portrays Dokdo as a friendly island where cultural stories come alive. A key feature is its planning to allow children to naturally encounter the meaning of Dokdo and the value of the marine ecosystem through a narrative of adventure and growth.

The adventure of Gangchi flowing through Netflix, continuing through Season 2 and Season 3

This Netflix release is not a one-time event. Following the global release of Season 1, Gyeongsangbuk-do plans to present Season 2 on Netflix this coming September. The production process is also gaining momentum. Specific plans have been announced to commence production of Season 3 in the second half of this year. As it will be exposed to the world through a massive platform like Netflix, the lifespan of the content is expected to be even longer.

The scalability of the content is also noteworthy. Gyeongsangbuk-do has already secured a foothold for entering the Asian market by signing overseas distribution rights agreements with China's Aishens Media and Taiwan's Portico Media. This demonstrates the possibility that region-specific content can succeed in the global market. It serves as a cultural gateway, going beyond simple video distribution to promote the symbolic space of Dokdo to the entire world.

From Ulleung Cruise to character goods, Gyeongbuk-style IP business in motion

Gyeongsangbuk-do has established a strategy to foster 'Gangchi Island' beyond a simple animation into a powerful cultural IP (Intellectual Property). To this end, various marketing activities linked with the actual tourism industry will be deployed. Recently, an MOU was signed with Ulleung Cruise, deciding to operate a dedicated Gangchi screening channel within the cruise cabins. This establishes an environment where passengers can be naturally exposed to the characters and story during their travel time.

Businesses utilizing spaces and products are also taking shape. Efforts are being made to diversify revenue models, such as creating themed spaces using Gangchi characters and promoting the sale of character goods. This aims for a virtuous cycle where the popularity of the content leads to the revitalization of local tourism and the character industry. Gyeongsangbuk-do intends to establish 'Gangchi Island' as a representative cultural brand of Gyeongbuk through such on-site marketing.

Gyeongsangbuk-do Governor Lee Cheol-woo: "We will use this as an opportunity to promote Dokdo to the world"

This move by Gyeongsangbuk-do reflects the determination to prove the competitiveness of regional cultural content on the global stage. Governor Lee Cheol-woo expressed direct expectations regarding this Netflix broadcast. Governor Lee stated, "The Netflix broadcast of 'Gangchi Island' will be a great opportunity to prove the competitiveness of Gyeongbuk's cultural content to the world and to promote our territory, Dokdo." He further emphasized his intention to grow it into a representative cultural IP of Gyeongbuk, saying, "We will continuously pursue the production of subsequent seasons and the expansion of domestic and international platforms."

Ultimately, 'Gangchi Island' is evolving into high-value-added content linked to the local economy while delivering the value of the territory to future generations by unfolding the symbolic subject of Dokdo through the fantasy genre. Industry eyes are focused on what kind of impact the adventure of the Gangchis, starting with the Netflix release on August 10, will show in the global market.

Distribution networks stretching beyond terrestrial to global OTT

'Gangchi Island' has previously met viewers through domestic broadcasting channels such as KBS 2TV, Jaenung TV, and Channel A. Regional content has expanded its distribution routes, successfully moving from terrestrial and cable to the global OTT platform Netflix.

Starting with the release of Season 1, Gyeongsangbuk-do will present Season 2 on Netflix in September. Plans are also in place to begin production of Season 3 in the second half of the year.