"Responding to Rural Aging and Population Decline"
Since 2022, Muju County in North Jeolla Province has been steadily advancing the "Rural New Vitality Plus Project," led by the Muju County Rural New Vitality Plus Project Group.
According to the county on December 2, this project was launched to address the aging population and declining demographics in rural communities, aiming to revitalize the local economy by creating jobs.
The county is working to establish a "forest healing and tourism community platform where nature and people coexist," by connecting various human and material resources in the region to lay the foundation for the forest healing and tourism industry.
This approach not only discovers and fosters private sector-led communities and strengthens networks among active organizations, but also serves as a foundation for building a self-sustaining growth structure.
Kim Injin, Head of the Rural Vitality Division at the Muju County Agricultural Technology Center, stated, "Since establishing the basic and implementation plans for the Rural New Vitality Plus Project, we have achieved remarkable results," adding, "We will continue to enhance the quality of the project to further activate forest healing and tourism, and create a Muju County where nature and people coexist in harmony."
Through the Rural New Vitality Plus Project, the county has so far produced 13 forest healing and tourism coordinators, 20 field activists specializing in areas such as therapy and baking, 11 living labs (learning clubs), and 10 youth local creators in the media sector.
Additionally, the county has focused on expanding the local community by graduating over 400 participants from the "Yuyujajeok Academy," fostering 49 action groups, supporting the "Chunhachu-dong Village Cultural Festival" in 37 villages, operating job experience programs, and establishing the "Yuyujajeok Healing Garden Center" and the caf? "Musimwon."
Meanwhile, at the "2025 Muju County Rural New Vitality Plus Project Performance Sharing Meeting" held on November 26, 12 organizations selected for the activity group support project piloted and operated a permanent free market.
The event provided a platform for information sharing and network collaboration to promote forest healing and tourism, with over 200 participants including coordinators, living lab members, and local creators, receiving a positive response.
Residents commented, "At first, we were very concerned, but by participating directly in the process of revitalizing the region, we have gained hope that we can grow together with our village," adding, "We will continue to contribute to the sustainable development of rural areas with a sense of responsibility."
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