Muan County Accelerates Toward a Population of 100,000

115 Projects in Four Areas

Strengthening Foundations for Residential Life, Youth, and Caregiving

Muan County in South Jeolla Province is taking full-scale steps to implement population policies aimed at achieving a population of 100,000.

Namak New Town, which laid the foundation for population inflow in Muan County. Provided by Muan County

The county announced that it has finalized its 2026 population policy implementation plan under the vision of "A soaring Muan where all generations are happy together." A total of KRW 462 billion will be invested in 115 detailed projects across four areas.

This plan was established as Muan County continues to maintain the highest population among county-level local governments in South Jeolla Province and sustain growth. According to the county, as of the end of 2025, the population stood at 95,592, an increase of 2,905 from the previous year.

First, the county will allocate KRW 12.7 billion to strengthen the foundation for responding to the population crisis. Through a research project to establish the 2nd mid- to long-term comprehensive population policy plan, the county aims to proactively respond to demographic changes between 2026 and 2030. It will also promote initiatives such as relocation incentives, housing stability support for newlyweds and large families, and programs to revitalize returning-to-farming and rural resettlement.

KRW 101 billion has been allocated to the youth and job sector. The county plans to operate youth centers and platforms, expand support for job-seeking and entrepreneurship, and strengthen the foundation for youth settlement. Efforts will also accelerate the development of future industries, such as the compound semiconductor technology support project and the creation of a K-Food convergence general industrial complex.

Addressing low birth rates and creating a family-friendly environment are also core pillars. The county will invest KRW 138.5 billion in this area to enhance support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and child-rearing. In particular, a new basic income support project for childbirth, worth KRW 2.2 billion, will be launched. The county also aims to reduce the burden of child-rearing by operating integrated care centers and expanding free childcare.

The largest investment of KRW 209.7 billion will go toward improving residential conditions. Efforts will focus on enhancing the quality of life for residents by expanding social overhead capital (SOC), such as building the Oryong District Complex Culture Center, transforming Haeje Doripo into a tourist attraction, constructing new sports facilities in Namak, and renovating the Namak riverside park. Safety-related projects, such as expanding resident safety insurance and security infrastructure, will also be pursued in parallel.

Based on the continued inflow of population, such as the move-in to new apartments in Oryong District 2, the county is also looking ahead to the long-term goal of being elevated to "Muan City" with a population of 150,000.

Kim San, Governor of Muan County, stated, "The key is to create a city where people of all generations, from children to seniors, want to live and stay," adding, "We will lay the foundation for an era of 150,000 residents in Muan through policies residents can truly feel."

Meanwhile, the county has also been recognized externally for its population policies, winning the "Population Vitality Special Award" at the 31st Korea Local Autonomy Management Awards.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.