Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Selects 11 Regional Development Projects for Local Jobs and Living Hub Creation

[Asia Economy Reporter Ryu Tae-min] The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced on the 1st that it has selected 11 regional development projects to support population inflow and settlement in underdeveloped local areas struggling with population decline and economic downturn, and to create jobs.

The regional development public contest projects are government-funded initiatives aimed at expanding infrastructure and convenience facilities in growth promotion areas (regions requiring special consideration due to low development levels under the Special Act on Balanced National Development).

As part of the investment-led district projects, the 'Jaeundo Geo Tourism Complex Development Project' in Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do was selected. Centered on the Jaeundo tourism complex, the project will link nearby accommodation facilities and tourist resources, and promote ▲ marina construction ▲ beach maintenance and expansion of convenience facilities ▲ road connection improvements.

For customized regional demand support, projects include ▲ creating living hubs linked to saving small schools (Geochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do; Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do; Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do; Okcheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do; Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do) ▲ creating living hubs linked to youth startups (Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do; Goryeong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do) ▲ settlement support and improvement of living conditions for returning farmers and rural migrants (Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do; Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do).

Park Hee-min, Director of the Regional Policy Division at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, said, "The regional development public contest projects support local governments to proactively develop their potential and aim to discover and spread excellent cases of regional development. We will strive to ensure that the projects selected this year breathe new life into areas struggling with population decline and become a driving force for population inflow."