A hub in the heart of Seoul to help Greater Seoul residents relocate and settle

Appointment-based consultations on jobs and housing to launch in December

Pop-up stores showcasing Sancheong tourism and Changwon persimmons draw steady crowds

Visitors from the Greater Seoul area browse the Sancheong tourism relay pop-up store at the Gyeongnam Welcome Center, located in the Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [South Gyeongsang Province]
Visitors from the Greater Seoul area browse the Sancheong tourism relay pop-up store at the Gyeongnam Welcome Center, located in the Bukchon Hanok Village in Jongno-gu, Seoul. [South Gyeongsang Province]

South Gyeongsang Province has opened a base in central Seoul to provide comprehensive relocation support to Greater Seoul residents — going beyond simple moves to rural areas to cover jobs, housing, education and more.

The province held an opening ceremony Friday for the Gyeongnam Welcome Center at 66 Bukchon-ro in Jongno-gu, within the Bukchon Hanok Village. About 30 people attended, including Administrative Vice Governor Park Il-ung and representatives from provincial civic groups and related organizations, who took part in a plaque unveiling and a commemorative photo session.

Several locations were initially considered, including the aT Center and sites in Mapo-gu and Gongdeok, but the province ultimately chose Bukchon for its high foot traffic from domestic and international tourists, making it an effective venue for promoting South Gyeongsang Province year-round. The site was also noted for having an outdoor courtyard large enough for cities and counties within the province to hold their own promotional events.

The center spans one above-ground floor and one below-ground floor. The ground floor serves as a multipurpose promotional space where cities, counties and businesses from the province can run pop-up stores, while the basement houses a relocation consultation room and offices. The Gyeongnam Investment and Economy Promotion Agency will manage operations. By combining relocation counseling and regional promotion under one roof, the center gives Greater Seoul residents a single place to access lifestyle information about South Gyeongsang Province and inquire about available support.

The center's core function — comprehensive relocation consultations — will enter a full pilot phase in December on an appointment-only basis, following a preparation period in October and November. Prospective movers who come for consultations in Seoul can ask about farmland purchases, housing renovation costs and various government subsidies; the province will then coordinate with the relevant local governments and departments to provide practical, one-stop feedback.

To mark the opening, a relay pop-up store series has been running since Oct. 21 and continues through Nov. 9. Events themed around Sancheong tourism, Changwon sweet persimmons and South Gyeongsang Province's autumn tourism have been drawing around 300 visitors on weekdays and about 500 on weekends. Specialty produce sales — persimmons in particular — have been well received, generating more than 1 million won ($749) in daily sales.

The province plans to build an integrated information system consolidating relocation support data from all 18 cities and counties in the province to improve online accessibility, and will gradually expand tailored consultation services and visit and stay support programs.

"We hope the Gyeongnam Welcome Center will serve as a practical guide that spreads awareness of South Gyeongsang Province's appeal among Greater Seoul residents and turns that interest into actual relocation," Administrative Vice Governor Park said. "We will work closely with cities and counties to ensure people can access essential information on jobs and housing in one place and settle in stably."


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