Muju County Holds Return-to-Farming and Rural Migration Council Meeting... Discusses Improvement Measures

"Hearing Policy Operations and Challenges for Returnees to Farming and Rural Areas"

On December 15, Muju County in North Jeolla Province held a meeting with the Return-to-Farming and Rural Migration Council in the main conference room of the county office, gathering on-site opinions regarding the operation of policies for returnees to farming and rural areas.

According to the county, the meeting was organized to share the difficulties experienced by returnees during the settlement process and to discuss possible improvements. Approximately 20 participants attended, including Muju County Mayor Hwang Inhong and executives from the Muju County Return-to-Farming and Rural Migration Council.

Exterior view of Muju County Office. Provided by Muju County

At the meeting, the council emphasized the need to establish a systematic information provision system for newcomers in the early stages of settlement, drawing significant attention.

Additionally, they proposed strengthening customized education programs tailored to the circumstances and preparedness of returnees, expanding programs that facilitate adaptation to the local community and interaction with residents, and establishing institutional foundations to support various return-to-farming activities, including small-scale agriculture.

Kim Cheonsun, President of the Muju County Return-to-Farming and Rural Migration Council, said, "Although the county provides a variety of educational programs, most returnees lack initial information, which leaves something to be desired in terms of effectiveness. In order to ensure stable settlement in Muju, realistic support is needed, so I ask for thorough analysis and the development of customized policies."

The county plans to share the issues discussed at the meeting with relevant departments and reflect them in the future implementation of return-to-farming and rural migration policies. It also intends to expand communication channels to continuously gather feedback from the field.

Meanwhile, in 2024, 546 households and 948 individuals moved to Muju County for farming and rural living. The county has supported their stable settlement through agricultural startup and housing purchase loans, and is actively attracting prospective returnees through programs such as "Experience Life in Jeonbuk" and "Family Stay-Type Practice Farms."

In addition, Muju County is providing practical financial support for 10 projects aimed at helping returnees settle, including housing repair costs and temporary residence rent. Agricultural consumables and moving expenses are also provided to young and middle-aged returnees (ages 19 to 64).