Jeonju, South Korea – In a bid to revitalize rural communities and stem the tide of youth migration to urban centers, the South Korean government, through the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, has selected two initiatives in Jeonbuk Province for its ‘2025 Youth Village Creation Project.’ Muju County’s ‘Farmers F&S’ and Jangsu County’s ‘Rock & Learn’ will each receive significant financial backing of 600 million KRW (approximately $440,000 USD) over the next three years (2025-2027) to establish innovative youth-led communities.

The ‘Youth Village Creation Project’ is a cornerstone of the government’s strategy to address the socio-economic challenges posed by an aging rural population and the continuous outflow of young talent to major cities like Seoul. The initiative provides crucial resources for young individuals and groups to experiment with local resources, create employment opportunities, and foster meaningful engagement with existing residents. The ultimate goal is to empower these young pioneers to build self-sustaining communities and contribute to the long-term vitality of their chosen regions.

Muju County’s ‘Farmers F&S,’ spearheaded by a young couple who made the conscious decision to return to their agricultural roots after pursuing education in an urban environment, will establish the ‘SANTASY Youth Village.’ Their vision centers around leveraging the region’s natural beauty to cultivate an outdoor-centric entrepreneurial ecosystem. Plans include organizing nature-based experiential programs encompassing backpacking and trekking, which will serve as a foundation for launching businesses that integrate outdoor activities with the rich offerings of local agricultural produce. This approach not only taps into the growing interest in sustainable tourism and outdoor recreation but also provides a direct link between local farmers and consumers, fostering economic growth at the grassroots level.

Meanwhile, in Jangsu County, ‘Rock & Learn’ will develop the ‘Trail Village Youth Village,’ building upon the strong foundation of the existing local youth community known as the ‘Jangsu Running Crew.’ Their project focuses on capitalizing on the area’s abundant mountainous terrain, scenic valleys, and extensive network of forest trails to create a unique destination for trail running enthusiasts. The initiative aims to attract both domestic and international participants through the development of immersive, stay-type running programs and the hosting of prestigious international trail running competitions. By positioning Jangsu as a premier trail running hub, ‘Rock & Learn’ envisions the creation of a vibrant multi-cultural space that will not only inject dynamism into the local economy but also forge a distinctive regional brand identity, attracting tourism and investment.

Jeonbuk Province has consistently demonstrated its commitment to fostering youth engagement in rural areas, having been selected for the ‘Youth Village Creation Project’ annually since its inception in 2021. This year’s simultaneous selection of two projects underscores the region’s proactive approach to addressing demographic challenges. Following their selection, both ‘Farmers F&S’ and ‘Rock & Learn’ will undergo expert consultation starting next month to refine their plans and ensure the effective implementation of their respective projects.

Cheon Young-pyeong, Head of Jeonbuk Province’s Planning and Coordination Office, emphasized the province’s ongoing commitment to supporting youth in rural areas, stating, “We will continue to provide various support measures to ensure that young people can sustainably settle down and thrive in our region.” This latest investment in youth-led initiatives in Muju and Jangsu counties represents a significant step towards fostering rural revitalization and creating vibrant, intergenerational communities in Jeonbuk Province. The success of these ‘Youth Villages’ could serve as a model for other rural regions across South Korea grappling with similar demographic shifts.