Three villages in Yeosu, Goheung and Boseong to receive 300 million won ($198,000) each over three years
South Jeolla Province has selected three communities — Dolsan-eup in Yeosu, Donggang-myeon in Goheung and Beolgyo-eup in Boseong — as its 2026 "South Jeolla-style youth villages," providing each with 300 million won and expert consulting over three years to help young people settle and become self-sufficient in the region.
Thirteen youth organizations from eight cities and counties applied. The province chose the three sites after reviewing applications, conducting on-site inspections and holding presentation evaluations.
The selected youth villages will run programs tailored to local characteristics, build networking spaces for young residents and pursue job creation and startup support tied to regionally specialized industries. The goal is to help young people put down roots locally and build a model of youth villages that grow alongside existing residents.
In Dolsan-eup, Yeosu, the "Dolsan THE Gat" project will organize picnics on Gatseom island using local produce, run a "Gat-saeng Project" residential experience program and operate a local kitchen and cafe.
In Donggang-myeon, Goheung, the "Goheung Citrus" project will draw on the area's fruit-farming resources through a youth smart-pruning team, citrus-themed experience programs and a fruit-orchard residential program.
In Beolgyo-eup, Boseong, the "First Penguin Village" project plans to commercialize local resources through designer workcations and a goods-design competition, creating a youth village model that connects skilled professionals with the community.
Yun Yeon-hwa, director of South Jeolla Province's population, youth and immigration bureau, said the province would support young people in securing jobs and startup opportunities and building a stable income base through the youth village project. "We will work to create an environment where young people stay in the region, cooperate with residents and grow together," she said.
Through its South Jeolla-style youth village project, the province has established 17 youth villages across 13 cities and counties since 2022, drawing a total of 4,191 participants and attracting 68 young people who have newly settled in the region.
Even after a project cycle ends, the province plans to select villages with strong prospects for independence and provide up to 50 million won per site to support their self-sufficiency.
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