Yeongyang, Cheongsong, and Other Wildfire-Affected Areas Added to Rural Space Improvement Project... Expansion of Rest Areas and Residential Facilities
by Ju Sangdon
Published 13 Oct.2025 11:00(KST)
Priority Given to Areas Hit by Wildfires and Heavy Rains
Initiative to Improve Residential Environment for Rural Residents
The government has added regions severely affected by wildfires and heavy rains, such as Yeongyang County, Cheongsong County, and Pocheon City, as additional sites for the "2025 Rural Space Improvement Project" to enhance the residential environment for local residents.
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced on the 13th that it has selected nine additional districts as this year's targets for the Rural Space Improvement Project.
The Rural Space Improvement Project is an initiative to reorganize and relocate poorly planned facilities that degrade the quality of life for village residents by causing odors, noise, and pollutant emissions. The project also supports the use of the renovated sites for community amenities such as rest areas and living facilities. Each district receives an average of 10 billion won in support over five years, and a total of 113 districts have participated in the project since its launch in 2021.
An official from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs stated, "After evaluating the necessity for spatial reorganization and the expected regeneration effects, we have selected nine additional districts, including Pocheon City, Nonsan City, and Yeongyang County. Among these, Pocheon City, which suffered from heavy rain damage, and Yeongyang County and Cheongsong County, which were affected by wildfires, have been included. Considering that these areas were declared special disaster zones due to significant damage to residents' living spaces, we plan to support effective regeneration through this spatial improvement project."
The newly selected districts will begin by establishing basic project plans this year and proceed to reorganize (demolish) damaged and abandoned facilities. In addition, rest areas, residential facilities, and shared-use facilities for local residents will be expanded, transforming these areas into safe and vibrant rural communities for everyone.
Ahn Yooyoung, Director of the Rural Space Planning Division at the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, commented, "This additional selection is not just about reorganizing spaces, but also about helping rural villages recover from wildfire and flood damage. Through the 'Happy Rural Project for All,' the Ministry will pursue a major transformation of rural areas so that they can serve as workplaces (income base), living spaces (residential environment), and rest areas (rural vitality) for everyone."
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.