The Gyeongbuk Provincial Council's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, chaired by Jung Geunsoo, conducted on-site inspections of major project sites in Yeongdeok County over a two-day schedule from June 4 to June 5. The purpose of this site visit was to inspect key project locations in relation to the 2024 fiscal year settlement, discuss current legislative issues, and seek policy alternatives.
The committee members visited major project sites, including the Neighbor Village in Yeonghae-myeon, Yeongdeok County, to review the progress, achievements, and future tasks of the ongoing projects.
Members of the Gyeongbuk Provincial Council's Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, who went on-site to Yeongdeok County, are gathered together for a commemorative photo.
The Yeongdeok Neighbor Village, visited on the first day, is drawing attention as a region-led youth inflow model designed to address the crisis of regional extinction. This village is part of the Expanding Neighbor Village Project, which is being implemented over four years from 2022 to 2026. Gyeongbuk Province and Yeongdeok County are jointly investing 40 billion KRW in its development.
This project goes beyond simply establishing basic infrastructure. It encompasses a wide range of areas, including support for youth entrepreneurship, the construction of 40 units of youth housing, the establishment of a shared factory and youth agricultural infrastructure, and the creation of a complex cultural space. In particular, residency-based youth inflow programs, such as a one-month stay and the operation of a youth culture and arts incubator, are being used to attract actual population inflow.
The committee members visited major hubs such as the Startup Hub Center, youth housing, and the Modern History and Culture Startup Street in sequence, thoroughly inspecting each site. They also held meetings with working-level officials to listen to difficulties encountered during project implementation and to hear suggestions.
After the site inspections, the committee visited the Metasequoia Forest in Beolyeong-ri to explore the potential for tourism revitalization utilizing ecological resources. This forest, which blends pristine natural scenery with lush trees, is very popular among family tourists and young people.
The committee members emphasized, "Developing tourism content that utilizes local ecological resources can lead to revitalizing the local economy and creating jobs for young people," and added, "It is necessary to design policies that balance establishing a sustainable tourism foundation with environmental preservation."
Following the on-site inspections of major project sites, the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts discussed key issues on the second day, including plans for the approval review of the 2024 fiscal year settlements and reserve fund expenditures for Gyeongbuk Province and the Gyeongbuk Provincial Office of Education's special education budget. The committee pledged to thoroughly analyze and rigorously review the fiscal management performance of both Gyeongbuk Province and the Provincial Office of Education. They also held in-depth discussions on ways to strengthen the functions of the Special Committee on Budget and Accounts.
Chairman Jung Geunsoo stated, "This on-site inspection in Yeongdeok County was a very meaningful opportunity to see how the budget is actually impacting the lives of local residents," and added, "The Provincial Council will actively support policies for youth inflow and regional revitalization so that they can be implemented in a more concrete and effective manner."
The Special Committee on Budget and Accounts plans to continue visiting sites where the budget is being executed, using this inspection and issue discussion as a starting point. The committee will strive to prevent budget waste and ensure that budget planning and execution contribute to improving the quality of life for residents of the province.
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