Gyeongbuk Province to Complete 'Retired Scientists Village' by June Next Year with 48 Billion Won Investment... Residential Complex with Research and Education Facilities

On the afternoon of the 10th at 2 PM, North Gyeongsang Province will hold a groundbreaking ceremony to commemorate the start of full-scale construction for the K-Gwahakja Maeul (K-Scientist Village) project site, located within the Phase 2 specialized residential area of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Government New Town.

The ceremony will be attended by Lee Cheolwoo, Governor of North Gyeongsang Province, Kim Hyeongdong, Member of the National Assembly from the People Power Party, Lim Jongshik, Superintendent of North Gyeongsang Office of Education, Park Seongman, Chairman of the North Gyeongsang Provincial Council, Kwon Gichang, Mayor of Andong, as well as officials from related institutions and local residents, totaling around 500 people, raising expectations for the creation of the nation's first premium residential complex for retired scientists.

Bird's-eye view of 'K-Scientist Village'

원본보기 아이콘

North Gyeongsang Province conceived the 'K-Gwahakja Maeul' project to utilize the potential of retired scientists as a solution for survival by securing new growth engines through local government initiatives, aiming to block the domino effect of nationwide crises caused by social issues such as low birth rates, aging population, and climate change.

The 'K-Gwahakja Maeul' will be established in an ideal location within Phase 2 of the provincial government new town, with Geommusan Mountain at its back and Hominji Lake in front, embodying the concept of 'baesanimsu' (mountain in the back, water in the front). The village will integrate residential spaces for retired scientists with research, mentorship, and entrepreneurship, all within a single complex featuring detached houses, shared offices, a conference hall, lounges, and various auxiliary facilities.

The 'K-Gwahakja Maeul' will be built with a project cost of 48 billion KRW on a 28,076-square-meter site, comprising 45 housing units, a shared office, multipurpose hall, lounge, and more, with completion scheduled for around June next year.

North Gyeongsang Province stated, "The entire project cost is funded by the provincial government, and instead of selling the 45 housing units, they will be operated as rentals after completion."

With the convergence of humanities, natural sciences, and technology, the K-Gwahakja Maeul is expected to become a new growth engine for the region. Renowned architects from Korea and abroad, including world-class architect Seung HyoSang, are participating in the design, making it the first model to physically realize the goal of 'millennium architecture'?a value that remains unchanged across eras and generations and can be passed down to future generations.

Through the establishment of this K-Gwahakja Maeul, North Gyeongsang Province aims to serve as a guide for spreading and promoting millennium architecture to its 22 cities and counties, as well as to contribute to the influx of living population as a regional cultural and tourism resource.

Along with building a highly sophisticated foundation in North Gyeongsang, the province will select 15 K-Gwahakja (K-Scientists) in the second half of the year. In cooperation with related organizations such as the Korean Federation of Science and Technology Societies and the National Research Council of Science and Technology, it will recommend outstanding scientists and establish a support organization for K-Gwahakja at the Gyeongbuk Research Institute, thereby preparing a successful operation and management model for the K-Gwahakja Maeul.

Governor Lee Cheolwoo stated, "Currently, Korea is facing a serious crisis due to the over-concentration of the capital region, population decline, slowing growth, and the risk of regional extinction. Innovative growth models led by local governments, such as the 'K-Gwahakja Maeul,' will be the answer for a sustainable future. Through the successful promotion of the K-Gwahakja Maeul, we will attract companies to where talent gathers, foster global talent, and create a cradle for technology-driven startups. We will spare no effort in supporting the recruitment of highly potential retired scientists and the continuous development of the region, believing that the growth of North Gyeongsang is the growth of the nation."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.