Architecture That Stands the Test of Time... Gyeongbuk Province to Promote 'Millennium Architecture Model Villages' in 8 Locations

Hahoe Scientist Village Also in Progress

Gyeongbuk Province has completed the master plan for the 'Millennium Architecture Model Village Development Project,' which is being implemented in eight locations across eight cities and counties (Pohang, Gyeongju, Gimcheon, Gumi, Mungyeong, Gyeongsan, Goryeong, Seongju), aiming to realize architecture that will last a thousand years, and is now accelerating the project’s execution.

Perspective view of the Millennium Architecture Pilot Village to be established in Seongju area.

The 'Millennium Architecture Model Village Development Project,' a new architectural policy of Gyeongbuk Province, shifts the focus of architecture from practicality and economic efficiency?which dominated during the rapid industrial growth era?to the value of buildings as works of art and cultural heritage that embody local identity and spirit. The project's goal is to create architecture that retains unchanging value, regardless of who lives there, how times change, or even if the buildings are rebuilt.

The Millennium Architecture Model Village Development Project plans to create residential complexes integrating life, jobs, and culture, with sites under 100,000 square meters and accommodating 50 to 100 households. The project includes types such as production community models, mixed retirement villages, and industry-linked models. It is being advanced by gathering expert advice and opinions, distinguishing between public and private sector involvement.

From August last year to April this year, Gyeongbuk Province completed the master plan for these model villages. Currently, local governments are carrying out district unit plans and design services, and sites for the second phase of the Millennium Architecture project will be selected in June through public offerings in each city and county.

If the project is further activated with the second phase, it is expected to help address the crisis of regional extinction caused by the unbalanced population decline between the capital and local areas, and contribute to expanding the resident population, in line with the government's 'Three Projects to Revive Depopulated Areas' announced on April 15.

A bird's-eye view of Hahoe Scientist Village being established in Andong.

Additionally, the 'Hahoe Scientist Village Development Project,' currently being designed by architects Seung Hyo-sang and Kim Young-jun, is a Millennium Architecture project directly promoted by Gyeongbuk Province. This project is pioneering a residential complex of about 50 households on a 28,000 square meter site in the Hominji area of the provincial government’s new town, aiming to provide excellent science and technology professionals with a place to settle and a networked environment.

Gyeongbuk Governor Lee Cheol-woo said, "While apartments have driven the living environment culture as residential spaces for the past 30 to 40 years, it is now necessary to adopt a new perspective on housing policy that harmonizes with the natural environment and local culture. We will actively promote the Millennium Architecture Model Village Development Project by providing demand-oriented housing for baby boomer retirees to settle in their hometowns and utilizing special tax benefits for second homes in depopulated areas."

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