Connecting Urban and Rural Life: Youth Experiences in Sangju

"5 Provinces, 2 Villages: Sangju Edition"
Concludes Successfully Amid Enthusiastic Youth Exchange and Local Experience

The "5 Provinces, 2 Villages: Sangju Edition," part of the "2025 Gyeongbuk Youth-Led Alliance Event" organized by Sangju City in North Gyeongsang Province, concluded successfully after a two-day, one-night schedule from September 6 to 7, 2025.

Gyeongbuk Sangju City's Population Policy Connects Urban and Rural Areas, The Life of a Young Person Met in Sangju

This program, a lifestyle exchange event where urban youth and local youth from Sangju lived together and experienced Sangju’s culture, was held for the second time following its first session in July. With 256 applicants vying for 25 spots, the high competition rate demonstrated the strong interest among the younger generation.

Participants engaged with the local community through a variety of activities, including a hanok stay, a tour of Gyeongcheon Island, a TCI temperament test, making meditation liquor, a Sangju agricultural product cooking competition, and water leisure experiences. More than just a simple trip, the event offered opportunities to directly learn about tradition and culture while interacting with Sangju’s youth.

One participant from Seoul shared, "It was meaningful to escape daily life and spend time in nature," adding, "By mingling with local youth, it became a genuine exchange rather than just a simple visit."

Ko Doohwan, head of Sangju City’s Population Policy Office, said, "I hope this event makes Sangju a memorable city for young people," and added, "We will continue to expand various exchange programs that connect youth with the local community."

"This program goes beyond a simple experiential event and can be seen as a policy experiment aimed at attracting young people and revitalizing the region. It remains to be seen whether Sangju’s model as a 'youth-friendly city' will spread to other local governments."