Yeongyang County, the "Chili Pepper Fields," Rises as a Wealthy Rural Community Despite Population Decline

Yeongyang County, often labeled as the smallest local government in the country, is creating a "quiet miracle" by surpassing 500 farming households earning over 100 million won in agricultural income for four consecutive years, rather than discussing the risk of extinction.

Located in the inland area of the northeastern Taebaek Mountains, Yeongyang County in North Gyeongsang Province (Governor Oh Dochang) has been protected by its residents through diligence and a strong sense of community, even amid harsh natural conditions.

Despite poor soil and a short farming season, the county has maintained its reputation for regional specialty crops such as chili peppers and tobacco, leveraging its geographical features. The "spicy and rich flavor of Yeongyang" has long been recognized nationwide.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the county laid the foundation for modern agriculture by moving away from subsistence farming centered on slash-and-burn farmers, implementing projects such as mountain area development, well construction, and the distribution of agricultural machinery.

Towards a Small but Strong Wealthy Rural Community.

Today, Yeongyang County faces challenges such as the nation’s highest aging rate (over 43.9%) and population decline, yet it continues to explore new possibilities for agriculture and rural communities.

The county is establishing a foundation for generational succession in agriculture through initiatives such as operating youth-managed lease training farms and revitalizing rural experience and recreation villages. It is also pursuing the premiumization of local agricultural products, including the Yeongyang Chili Pepper HOT brand, expanding direct transactions through the growth of local food, building online sales networks, and diversifying sales channels through MOUs with national apartment residents’ associations.

Furthermore, Yeongyang’s rural villages are expanding beyond simple production spaces to become areas for experience and tourism.

The future of Yeongyang’s agriculture and rural communities is shifting toward sustainability and a circular economy centered on the local community. In response to the era of climate crisis and population decline, the county plans to transition to a new paradigm that encompasses local economic circulation and resident welfare, with a focus on the basic income pilot project for rural areas.

In addition, Yeongyang County aims to establish itself as "a county realizing a sustainable future for agriculture" by simultaneously promoting technological innovation such as smart agriculture, eco-friendly farming, and climate-adaptive crop cultivation, alongside the revitalization of rural areas through the integration of culture and tourism.

Governor Oh Dochang stated, "Yeongyang has laid the groundwork to become a wealthy rural community by guaranteeing the highest prices for red chili peppers, implementing the paddy field diversification project, and establishing a special zone for leafy vegetables. We will continue to pursue policies for sustainable agricultural growth amid crises such as climate change."