Five Cities and Counties in Jeonbuk Selected for Urban Regeneration Projects

Securing 46.1 Billion Won in National Funding

for Revitalizing Old Downtowns and Improving Residential Conditions

Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province has secured 46.1 billion won in national funding by winning five projects in the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's urban regeneration contest for the first half of this year, the second most among all regions nationwide. These funds will be used to revitalize old downtown areas and improve residential conditions.

Jeonbuk Provincial Government Office view. Provided by Jeonbuk Province

According to Jeonbuk Province on July 3, the contest was held to expand living SOC (social overhead capital) and renovate aging residential areas through urban regeneration projects tailored to each region. It also aimed to encourage resident participation and strengthen local capabilities.

In Jeonbuk, Gunsan and Namwon were selected for regional specialized projects, Jangsu for the recognized project, Gimje for the old residential area maintenance support project, and Imsil for the 'Save Our Neighborhood' project.

The province collaborated with cities, counties, and urban regeneration support centers from the preparation stage, conducting on-site inspections, resident surveys, and project planning. During the Ministry's evaluation, expert advice on urban regeneration was sought to further enhance project quality.

Jungang-dong in Gunsan City will promote the "New Startup Challenge Gunsan Local Town" project. With a total budget of 25 billion won (15 billion won in national funding), vacant commercial buildings will be repurposed as employment and startup spaces, and facilities for entrepreneurship support and education will be created. Additionally, a retro-themed street and a cultural plaza reflecting the sensibilities of the 1990s and 2000s will be developed.

Unbong-myeon in Namwon City will establish a "Gastronomy, Leisure, and Starlit Healing Hub Unbong" with a total budget of 25 billion won (15 billion won in national funding). Facilities will be developed for experiences utilizing Unbong black pork and highland agricultural products, along with residential-type healing facilities and living environment improvement projects for Jirisan tourists.

Jangye-myeon in Jangsu County will see the construction of the "Jangye Community Center" with a total budget of 3.5 billion won (2.1 billion won in national funding). This multi-purpose space will include a communal dining hall, shared workspaces, classrooms for seniors, and indoor health centers, supporting welfare and community revitalization for residents.

Sinpung-dong in Gimje City will use a total of 15 billion won (9 billion won in national funding) to expand infrastructure such as autonomous housing maintenance projects, road construction, and public parking lots. An intergenerational community facility will also be established to promote private housing supply and improve the residential environment.

Gwancheon-myeon in Imsil County will remodel the existing township office as a cultural and welfare space using a total budget of 8.3 billion won (5 billion won in national funding), and expand parking and solar power facilities. Additionally, repairs to aging houses and the creation of safe alleyways will be carried out simultaneously to improve the living environment.

Unlike the demolition-focused urban development methods of the past, the urban regeneration policy focuses on maintaining existing neighborhoods while improving residential conditions and living infrastructure, and revitalizing resident communities. Recently, cases of regional economic revitalization through specialized projects linked to local history, culture, and tourism resources are increasing nationwide.

Jeonbuk Province plans to continue discovering urban regeneration projects tailored to local characteristics in cooperation with cities and counties, and will make ongoing efforts to secure national funding to respond to population decline and the deterioration of old downtowns.

Lee Wantak, Governor of Jeonbuk Province, stated, "The problem of declining old downtown areas in the province remains severe. We will do our utmost to achieve sustainable urban regeneration through revitalizing old downtowns and to improve the quality of life in ways that residents can truly feel."

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