From Demolition to Safety Signs and Environmental Maintenance: A One-Stop Solution
Accelerating Improvements in Rural Living Conditions
Yecheon County has officially begun addressing the issue of abandoned houses in rural areas.
With the number of vacant homes increasing due to aging populations and declining numbers of residents, these abandoned properties have emerged as a pressing local issue, raising concerns about collapse risks, crime, and urban aesthetics. The county has determined that a community-focused initiative is needed to simultaneously improve safety and living conditions.
Yecheon County (Governor Kim Hakdong) announced that it will invest a total of 170 million won this year to implement a "Vacant House Maintenance Project" targeting long-term abandoned properties.
The main goal is to prevent safety accidents caused by neglected, aging buildings and to improve the residential environment.
The county has observed a rapid increase in vacant houses in rural areas, leading to constant risks for residents in their daily lives. In response, Yecheon plans not only simple maintenance but also a phased approach, including systematic surveys and coordinated maintenance plans.
In particular, the county expects this project to not only address safety concerns such as possible building collapses and crime risks, but also to restore the local image by improving the landscape.
The project will primarily target old vacant houses that have been left unoccupied for over a year.
The maintenance work will include: ▲ demolition of buildings ▲ installation of safety management signs for vacant homes ▲ improvement of the surrounding environment. The project aims to enhance not only the vacant properties themselves but also the nearby living environment.
To encourage voluntary participation from property owners, the county will subsidize part of the maintenance costs. In addition, the county plans to minimize potential conflicts such as infringement of private property rights by providing sufficient prior notice and consultation before the project begins, and to ensure smooth implementation based on residents' consent.
Applications can be submitted at the administrative welfare centers in the towns or townships where the buildings are located. Both property owners and heirs with the owner's consent are eligible to apply.
Lim Jongjin, head of the Rural Vitality Division at Yecheon County, stated, "Vacant house maintenance is a key project to protect residents' safety and enhance the value of living in the county. We will continue to develop effective ways to manage and utilize vacant homes, doing our utmost to improve rural living environments."
Yecheon County expects this initiative to reduce the anxiety caused by abandoned houses, strengthen the foundation for a pleasant rural community, and have a positive impact on community restoration.
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