Hong Nam-ki "Agreement Reached on Accommodation Plan Utilizing Vacant Houses in Rural Fishing Villages" (Update)

50 Vacant Houses in Rural Areas Used as Lodging Facilities for 300 Days a Year

Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, is delivering opening remarks at the 3rd Innovation Growth Strategy Meeting and the 36th Economic Ministers' Meeting held at the Government Seoul Office on the 21st.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwangho Lee] Hong Nam-ki, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, said on the 21st, "As the first achievement of applying the 'One Step Model Plan,' a win-win agreement on the use of vacant houses in rural fishing villages for lodging has been reached."

Deputy Prime Minister Hong stated at the 3rd Innovation Growth Strategy Meeting and the 36th Economic Ministers' Meeting held at the Government Seoul Office that "there had been conflicts between the existing lodging industry and new operators due to concerns about safety and conflicts with the purpose of the rural lodging system aimed at increasing farmers' and fishermen's income, but stakeholders made concessions step by step to reach an agreement."

He explained, "Specifically, new operators agreed to accept limited conditions compared to the desired scope of business and promised efforts for coexistence with local residents, such as accumulating village funds, while the existing lodging industry agreed to accept the special demonstration exemption linked with support such as safety education consulting to enhance competitiveness."

According to the agreement, new operators utilizing vacant houses in rural fishing villages can enter the lodging business under conditions including accepting restrictions such as 5 cities/counties, 50 houses, and 300 business days, and promising to accumulate village funds and efforts for coexistence with local residents.

Deputy Prime Minister Hong mentioned, "The government will prepare financial support measures to create a safe rural lodging environment and strengthen the competitiveness of the lodging industry." The government included a related budget of 2.5 billion KRW in next year's budget proposal.

He added, "To spread the 'virtuous cycle of coexistence and innovation,' the government will continue to support the activation of new businesses through the prompt resolution of conflicts among stakeholders."