A Leading Residential Local Program
Driving Youth Influx and Revitalizing the Community
The "Baddle Baddle Hyunnam Life" (hereinafter referred to as "Hyunnam Life"), a residential local program that is part of the "Rural Village Vitality Project" promoted by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province and Yangyang County, successfully completed a total of five sessions throughout 2025.
"Hyunnam Life" is a residential experience program designed to allow young people to stay for a certain period in Hyunnam-myeon, Yangyang County and directly experience the local lifestyle.
Starting with the first and second sessions in June this year, followed by the third and fourth sessions in September and the fifth session in October, a total of 100 people participated. The program attracted significant interest from young people, with approximately 550 applicants from across the country. In particular, the first session received 227 applications and the fourth session 120, resulting in an average competition rate of 5.5 to 1, solidifying its status as a leading program for attracting new residents.
Participants stayed in Hyunnam-myeon for five days and four nights, taking part in a comprehensive experience program that combined nature and daily life. The main activities included ▲beach running, surfing, yoga, and art experiences ▲a local mentor tour with settled residents ▲introductions to rural resettlement policies and smart farm tours, providing not just a simple trip but an opportunity to experience "living a local life."
In particular, the Yangyang County Agricultural Technology Center operated programs introducing rural resettlement policies and smart farm tours, helping participants experience new possibilities in local agriculture and encouraging young people to consider settling in the area.
The core of the program, the "Local Mentor Tour," was planned and operated directly by local residents. Mentors who run cafes, yacht tours, yoga, surfing shops, and more guided participants, vividly sharing their real-life experiences, work, and the unique appeal of the region. Through this, participants gained "an understanding of the region through its people," going beyond a temporary stay to form meaningful connections with the community.
Hwang Byunggil, Director of the Yangyang County Agricultural Technology Center, stated, "Hyunnam Life has established itself as a 'life experience program' that connects the region, people, and nature, rather than just a simple trip," and added, "We will continue to expand support so that young people can experience the potential of Yangyang and seriously consider settling here."
Meanwhile, Romad Cooperative has been carrying out various activities to attract new residents and revitalize the local economy since 2023, focusing on Hyunnam-myeon. These activities include supporting youth entrepreneurship, developing tourism content, and nurturing local brands. The cooperative plans to continue building a sustainable regional model where rural areas and young people can grow together.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
