Namwon City in Jeonbuk announced on the 2nd that it has been finally selected for the 2023 Regional Vitality Town contest, organized by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (7 locations nationwide selected).
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport selected the target sites through a process starting from application submission in February, document and on-site evaluations, and final presentations by local governments (May 31), and announced the results on this day.
Namwon City has been finally selected for the Regional Vitality Town contest project hosted by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. [Photo by Namwon City]
The Regional Vitality Town contest project is a pilot project targeting basic local governments to create balanced living hubs combining ‘housing + living infrastructure + living services’ to improve local residential conditions and support settlement. It aims to respond to migration demand through population inflow and settlement, with plans for future expansion to other local governments.
The selected site is located at 717-4 Yongsan-ri, Unbong-eup, covering an area of 33,993㎡ at approximately 600m elevation at the lower part of Baraebong Peak in Jirisan (Herb Valley area). A total of 22 billion KRW, including 5 billion KRW from the Local Extinction Response Fund to overcome population decline (linked with ministries), will be invested over three years to create a vitality town.
The move-in period is expected to be in the second half of 2026.
Unbong, known as one of the ten prosperous places during the Joseon Dynasty and famous for its excellent living environment as a treasure trove of history and cultural tourism, has recently attracted about 2,000 returnees to rural areas in the Jirisan region over the past five years.
About 78 houses suitable for various demands (short-term and long-term stays) and living infrastructure facilities usable by both new and old residents (indoor gymnasium, complex community center, etc.) will be established, along with vegetable gardens and shared yards to ensure a healthy, comfortable, and highly satisfactory stable settlement.
The site is 100% secured on city-owned land (including national and public land), enabling prompt project implementation. With high expectations and interest from local residents, successful progress is anticipated.
Namwon = Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Jeong Young-gwon baekok@asiae.co.kr
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