North Jeolla Province Launches Initiative to Bolster Rural Services Amidst Decline

North Jeolla Province is pioneering a new strategy to combat the decline of essential services in its rural areas, becoming the first provincial government in South Korea to establish a comprehensive 'Rural Economy and Social Services Revitalization Plan'.

The province acknowledges the growing challenges in rural communities, where aging populations and depopulation have led to a shrinking base for essential services. In some areas, not only hospitals and clinics but also basic amenities like restaurants and laundromats are struggling to remain operational.

To address this, North Jeolla Province aims to build a resident-led service delivery system. This involves supporting various social service providers, including rural care farms, community care cooperatives, and other social economy organizations. The plan emphasizes strengthening local communities' capacity to solve their own problems through resident participation and initiatives like the 'Vivid Village Making Project'.

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The first-of-its-kind provincial-level rural economy and social services revitalization plan is a response to improving the quality of life for rural residents and building a community care system.

The strategy outlines three main goals: ensuring universal access to basic living standards, overcoming geographical barriers to services, and empowering residents. Key initiatives include training rural social service workers, expanding networks for volunteers and young people, and enhancing the reach of mobile services. One such service, 'Jeonbuk On the Go,' combines essential goods purchasing with welfare and medical functions to improve accessibility for rural residents.

A provincial official stated that this first-of-its-kind plan aims to improve the quality of life for rural residents and establish a sustainable community care system, ultimately creating a more livable rural environment where basic needs are met.

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We will create a livable rural environment where the basics are guaranteed.