Local governments in South Korea’s population-decline zones stand to recover half their expenses starting next April through a new incentive program. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, partnering with the Korea Tourism Organization, has selected 16 local authorities for a pilot “Local Love Return Support” initiative, announced on October 27.
Selected Regions for Pilot Program
The chosen areas include Pyeongchang-gun, Yeongwol-gun, and Hoengseong-gun in Gangwon Province; Jecheon-si in Chungcheongbuk-do; Gochang-gun nationwide; and several in Jeollanam-do such as Gangjin-gun, Yeonggwang-gun, Haenam-gun, Goheung-gun, Wando-gun, and Yeongam-gun. Gyeongnam Province features Milyang-si, Hadong-gun, Hapcheon-gun, Geochang-gun, and Namhae-gun.
Program Funding and Incentives
With a total budget of 6.5 billion won, the initiative allocates 50 percent to private-sector-led return incentives targeting population-decline zones. Individual companies can receive up to 10 million won, while groups of two or more qualify for up to 20 million won.
Citizens aged 18 and older must apply online and verify their identity for subsidies covering planned return experiences. Actual relocations unlock additional benefits, including settlement allowances and heating costs, increasing available quotas.
Incentives take the form of products usable at local affiliate stores or online shops selling regional specialties for daily needs. Participants undergo separate checks for identity, age, and product usage.
Government Expansion Plans
Ahead of full implementation in April, authorities plan to launch the “Great Republic Population Revival Nuri Platform” to streamline applications and detail support measures. The program will expand to four additional regions in the second half of the year, scaling up major private-led efforts based on pilot outcomes.
A senior ministry official described the effort as “a meaningful project to refine successful local models and roll them out nationwide.” The official added, “We will closely collaborate with local governments to infuse vitality into regions struggling with population decline.”
