South Korea’s North Gyeongsang Province Launches Ambitious Plan to Combat Population Decline
North Gyeongsang Province is taking decisive action to address its shrinking population with a comprehensive plan for 2026, allocating 594 billion won – a 265 billion won increase from the previous year – to revitalization efforts. The initiative, unveiled during the ‘2026 North Gyeongsang Province Population Decline Response Committee Meeting’ on March 11th, focuses on four key strategies: job creation, attracting visitors, enhancing living environments, and supporting foreign residents.
Successes and Challenges in 2025
A review of the 2025 implementation plan revealed positive results in several areas. Regional job creation, improvements to essential living environments, and support for foreign resident integration were all deemed “excellent.” Notably, the province fostered 15 local creators, resulting in 45 intellectual property applications and registrations. The completion of housing projects in Bonghwa Seobyeok District, Saenggimaji District, and Gyeongju Millennium House were also highlighted as key achievements.
However, efforts to boost the number of visitors faced challenges, with progress in this area receiving a “moderate” rating due to delays in infrastructure projects. The province plans to address these issues by operating local population centers and developing tailored policies, alongside accelerating the completion of delayed projects.
The 2026 Plan: A Four-Pronged Approach
The 2026 plan is structured around four core strategies, encompassing 126 specific projects:
- Job Creation (186.3 billion won, 39 projects): Focused on stimulating economic opportunities within the province.
- Attracting Visitors (117 billion won, 21 projects): Aiming to increase the number of people visiting and experiencing North Gyeongsang.
- Enhancing Living Environments (2.7 trillion won, 45 projects): Investing in infrastructure and amenities to improve the quality of life for residents.
- Supporting Foreign Residents (20.7 billion won, 21 projects): Providing resources and assistance to integrate foreign nationals into the community.
Focus on Quality of Life and Long-Term Sustainability
The plan includes initiatives designed to improve daily life for residents, such as the creation of childcare-friendly villages, the development of an all-generation platform, and the implementation of a scholarship program. These efforts demonstrate a commitment to not only attracting recent residents but also ensuring their long-term well-being and integration into the community.
Did you know? North Gyeongsang Province’s investment in local creators led to 45 intellectual property registrations in the past year, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth.
Looking Ahead
Administrative Vice Governor Hwang Myeong-seok emphasized the importance of addressing population decline, stating it is “an important task directly linked to the sustainability of the region.” He affirmed the province’s commitment to implementing effective policies tailored to local conditions and circumstances.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much funding is being allocated to address population decline in North Gyeongsang Province in 2026?
A: 594 billion won is allocated for 2026, a 265 billion won increase from the previous year.
Q: What were the areas of success in the 2025 implementation plan?
A: Regional job creation, improvements to essential living environments, and support for foreign resident integration were all deemed “excellent.”
Q: What is the main focus of the 2026 plan?
A: The plan focuses on four key strategies: job creation, attracting visitors, enhancing living environments, and supporting foreign residents.
Pro Tip: Investing in local creators and intellectual property is a smart strategy for long-term economic growth and attracting skilled workers to the region.
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