County Implements Tailored Policies for Stable Settlement
Residential Facilities, Second Houses, and Startup Support
"A Foundation for Population Inflow and Local Revitalization"
Gokseong County in Jeollanam-do (Governor Jo Sangrae) announced on the 21st that it plans to implement various projects this year to support the stable settlement of return-to-farm and return-to-village residents, as well as those planning to move in.
With an average of about 1,000 return-to-farm and return-to-village residents steadily moving in each year, the county aims to promote population inflow and local revitalization by providing tailored support to prospective and early-stage returnees preparing for settlement.
First, the county will provide six-month residential facilities for prospective return-to-farm and return-to-village residents. Utilizing the three "Returnee Houses" (six rooms) operated in different regions such as Gokseong, Seokgok, and Okhwa, the county offers opportunities for local experience, community exchange activities, and hands-on farming experiences.
Starting in May, the "Live in Jeonnam" program will be operated twice a year, each for three months. Urban residents will be able to live in experience villages for three months, participating in local tours, farming experiences, and rural village rotation programs. This year, the program will be offered to 22 households at three locations, and participants can apply through Greendaero (Return-to-Farm and Return-to-Village Portal). Last year, 35 people participated in the Returnee House and Live in Jeonnam programs, and 8 of them settled in Gokseong County.
This year, a new project called the "Jeonnam-style 10,000 Won Second House (Olmanhan-ga)" will be launched. Two vacant houses will be remodeled and provided as living spaces for early-stage returnees on a two-year cycle.
In particular, the county supports the stable settlement and entrepreneurship of returnees. The county will provide agricultural infrastructure support (12 million KRW per household) to 14 new farmers within five years of starting, repair costs for old houses (5 million KRW per household) to 30 households, and entrepreneurship activation support (20 million KRW per household) to 7 households.
Programs to promote harmony and exchange with local residents are also being operated. The county will select one location for the "Harmony Village Creation" project, and eight locations for the "Returnee Housewarming Support" project, which is currently accepting applications, to provide opportunities for returnees to learn about the area and communicate with residents. In addition, the Return-to-Farm and Return-to-Village Council promotes the programs to hometown visitors during the Lunar New Year and Chuseok holidays every year, and participates in community return projects such as talent donation and helping neighbors in need.
Furthermore, the county operates a Return-to-Farm and Return-to-Village Center to effectively support various policies, including promotion, counseling, education, farming experience, and cultural and leisure programs.
Governor Jo Sangrae emphasized, "We will pay closer attention and do our best to provide administrative support so that return-to-farm and return-to-village residents can settle well," and added, "We will strive to implement effective policies that can serve as a foundation for population inflow and local revitalization."
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