South Korean agencies host workshops for rural regeneration

Regional agencies in South Korea are conducting workshops and field studies to strengthen expertise in rural spatial restructuring and community-led regeneration.

The Chungnam Economic Promotion Agency's Rural Industry Activation Center held a three-day workshop in Okcheon-gun for approximately 40 officials from 15 municipalities. The program focused on the implementation of the ‘Rural Spatial Restructuring Act,’ emphasizing the importance of rural agreements, general rural development projects, and spatial planning. Participants visited various sites to observe successful models of resident-led community activities, such as village gardens, shared dining, and the operation of community welfare facilities like public baths and multipurpose centers.

In a separate initiative, the Dangjin Rural Activation Support Center organized a field study for residents of Myeoncheon-myeon. Participants visited Gomidang Village in Hongseong-gun to study successful landscape management through resident agreements, and Seojeom Village in Gochang-gun to observe how local resources like bookstores can be used to foster community and youth entrepreneurship. These efforts aim to support bottom-up rural spatial planning where residents directly participate in identifying local issues and proposing development directions.