"Abandoned Land Becomes a Rest Area"... Haenam County Transforms Villages with Residents' Hands

Call for Next Year's Project: 'Idle Spaces' in Five Villages
Environmental Improvements for Illegal Dumping Sites and Abandoned Buildings

Haenam County in South Jeolla Province has transformed unused and neglected spaces within villages into community spaces through collaboration with residents.

On October 21, Haenam County announced, "Through the 'Village Idle Space Improvement Project,' which was launched for the first time this year, we have renovated unused sites in five villages with active participation from the residents."

Before (left) and after (right) construction of the senior citizen rest area in Galdu Village, Bukil-myeon, Haenam County. Provided by Haenam County

This project allows residents to directly design and manage spaces previously used for illegal dumping, abandoned buildings, and areas that negatively impact the landscape. Its distinguishing feature is that it goes beyond simple environmental improvements, aiming to both revitalize the community and enhance the living environment.

In Sojuk Village, Songji-myeon, an area previously plagued by illegal dumping was turned into a flower bed. In Osan Village, Bukpyeong-myeon, unused land was renovated into a walking trail. In Yeongu Village, Masan-myeon, a neglected site on a narrow street corner was cleared to improve visibility. In Wolho Village, Hwasan-myeon, old facilities were demolished and a new rest area for residents was created.

In Galdu Village, Bukil-myeon, a space that had been vacant for a long time was remodeled and is now being used as a senior citizens' resting place. Previously, many residents had experienced inconvenience due to the lack of a senior center in the village. Haenam County will accept applications for the '2026 Village Idle Space Improvement Project' for a two-week period from October 27 to November 7.