No Worries About Housing or Startups for Returning-to-Farming in Cheongyang

Cheongyang County Offers 1.9 Billion Won in Loans for Housing and Startups
Settlement Support Policies Ranked Among the Best Nationwide

Kim Donggon, Cheongyang County Governor

Cheongyang County in South Chungcheong Province, which is emerging as a new hub for returning-to-farming and rural migration, has launched the nation’s top-level support for city residents hoping to settle in the area.

County Governor Kim Donggon has allocated 1.9 billion won in loans for housing and agricultural startups, and is operating a settlement system that covers the entire process from experience programs and education to housing.

According to the county on August 6, nine recipients were selected in July for the "2025 Second Half Returning-to-Farming Agricultural Startup and Housing Purchase Support Project," and a total of 1.4 billion won in loans was allocated.

In the first half of the year, four people received 500 million won in support, bringing the total for 2025 to 13 recipients who will benefit from 1.9 billion won in financial aid. The program also features favorable terms, including an annual interest rate of 2.0%, a five-year grace period, and ten-year installment repayment.

Governor Kim personally led the design of the system to ensure that city residents settling in Cheongyang can start a new life without financial burden.

The startup fund provides up to 300 million won, and the housing fund up to 75 million won, significantly lowering the financial barriers that have been the biggest obstacle for those returning to farming.

In particular, Cheongyang has established a comprehensive settlement system that goes beyond simple loan support. The county operates experience programs such as "Living in Cheongyang" and the "Returning-to-Farming and Rural Migration Experience School" for prospective returnees. At the actual settlement stage, it provides basic farming education, on-site training at leading farms, and customized education for each township.

For new returnees lacking farming skills, the county offers free cultivation technique newsletters and agricultural newspapers, focusing on delivering practical, field-oriented information.

Cheongyang County Office Exterior View

Governor Kim has repeatedly stated the county’s commitment to taking responsibility for the practical challenges residents face even after settling in the area.

The county’s housing support policies are also among the best nationwide. The "Returning Farmer’s House" program, operating in three areas?Jeongsan-myeon, Daechi-myeon, and Namyang-myeon?offers a total of 15 units that can be rented for up to three years at a monthly rent of 100,000 won. Prospective returnees can apply for available units at any time, providing substantial benefits.

In addition, Cheongyang offers tailored settlement support for returning and rural migrants who have moved into the area. The county provides support in three areas: up to 5 million won for home repairs, monthly rent subsidies of 200,000 won for up to one year, and up to 2 million won for new home design costs?an exceptional level of support for a county government.

Governor Kim stated, "Cheongyang is not only blessed with a beautiful natural environment, but also has a fully established system that allows anyone to settle here with peace of mind. We will take full responsibility for the new beginnings of those who choose Cheongyang for returning-to-farming and rural migration."

Meanwhile, according to the county, as of 2024, the total number of people who have moved to Cheongyang for returning-to-farming and rural migration stands at 1,352, of which 113 are returning farmers, accounting for 8% of the total. This demonstrates that the settlement-oriented policies are proving effective in practice.

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