Spending 100 Million Won to Invite 20 Out-of-Town Youths for Urban Regeneration Specialized Training Ends Up 'Off the Mark'
[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Hyung-kwon] Suncheon City in Jeollanam-do announced plans to operate the "Living in Suncheon for Three Months" program from July to September, a three-month initiative inviting young people from outside the region to Suncheon with a budget of 100 million KRW (40 million KRW from the provincial government, 60 million KRW from the city government).
This startup and settlement program is divided into three specialized education fields based on the theme of urban regeneration in Suncheon: regenerative architecture involving remodeling vacant houses and old buildings, regenerative tourism utilizing urban regeneration areas as tourist attractions, and regenerative manufacturing based on upcycling.
However, there is criticism from some quarters that conducting a startup and settlement program under the theme of urban regeneration is inappropriate.
It is pointed out that the urban regeneration specialized education through a startup and settlement program by attracting young people from outside the region lacks practicality.
Civilians hold the view that urban regeneration and startups should be programs centered around Suncheon youth who are well acquainted with local circumstances.
The plan for 20 young people gathered from across the country, including Seoul and Busan, to complete two months of education and then spend one month discovering startup items utilizing local resources and seeking settlement in Suncheon is seen as nothing more than a display administration that was mismatched from the start.
A city official said, “The Suncheon Three-Month Living Project includes various programs that allow participants to learn about Suncheon as well as urban regeneration.”
Another official did not relent in their argument, stating, “This program is about attracting outsiders to feel the charm of Suncheon, settle here, start businesses, and live in Suncheon.”
Suncheon City Council member A said, “There have been several criticisms during work reports,” and added, “I understand that it is unpopular, with few applicants and lacking effectiveness.”
The policy aimed at attracting young people from outside the region to Suncheon to help them settle through startups and other means is a necessary part.
It is pointed out that priority should be given to policies supporting startups by outsiders within the 3E policies, which Mayor Heo Seok is focusing on promoting.
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