Geochang County Selected for Ministry of the Interior and Safety's "Hometown Olrae" Project with 2 Billion Won Funding

Expecting Influx of Resident Population and Local Revitalization
Through "Learn in Buksangfore Local Study Abroad"

Geochang County in South Gyeongsang Province announced on May 12 that it has been selected for the "2025 Hometown Olrae (Local Study Abroad Type) Project" contest hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

The "Hometown Olrae" project aims to secure a resident population and revitalize the local economy. It consists of five types: local study abroad, workation, learncation, dual-region residency, and local venture.

A total of 41 local governments participated in this contest, with 12 ultimately selected. Geochang County was the only representative chosen from South Gyeongsang Province.

Group photo of Geochang County selected for the 2 billion won hometown Olrae contest hosted by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety.

The selected project, "Learn in Buksangfore Local Study Abroad," is themed "A Semester in the Forest for Urban Children." It utilizes the rich natural environment of Buksang-myeon, including Galgye Forest, Geochang County's educational infrastructure, and rural experience villages such as Sup Yet Maeul. The project will create residential and communal spaces for families of students and offer local education and related programs.

With this selection, the county expects to secure a resident population of more than 20 student families each year and establish itself as a hub for local study abroad in South Gyeongsang Province, thereby enhancing the reputation of Geochang County as a "prestigious education city."

County Governor Koo Inmo stated, "With this selection, we will actively build a local study abroad platform centered on Buksang-myeon, transforming Geochang County into an attractive resident-oriented space where education and local experiences coexist. We aim to create a sustainable regional revitalization model that links settlement and residency."