The Jeju Provincial Government has taken the lead in supporting companies that utilize private workcation providers approved by the province by offering financial assistance. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
GOKSEONG, Oct. 2 (Korea Bizwire) – As the concept of “workcation” gains popularity among MZers (Millennials and Generation Z) seeking a better work-life balance, major tourist destinations like Jeju are actively vying to establish themselves as premier “workcation spots.”
Jeju, known for its robust tourism industry, has emerged as a prominent workcation destination. The Jeju Provincial Government has taken the lead in supporting companies that utilize private workcation providers approved by the province by offering financial assistance.
An official responsible for investment attraction expressed, “We believe that companies choosing Jeju contribute significantly to sustainable economic growth in the region. This is crucial for bolstering local economic vitality and combating population decline.”
The trend also presents a potential solution to population decline, particularly in rural towns and villages grappling with decreasing populations. Individuals residing in these areas for an extended period can generate economic benefits akin to those of permanent residents.
In response to this burgeoning movement, local youth have begun brainstorming ways to rejuvenate local economies by harnessing underutilized infrastructure for work purposes. One illustrative example is Gokseong County in South Jeolla Province.
Rustic Town is a unique “workcation” venture that provides a combined workspace and vacation space. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
To further enhance the performance of the local youth-led “workcation” initiatives, the county has invested in the Local Disappearance Response Fund to expand these ventures. Recently, the county announced its commitment to launching the Rustic Town upgrade project, aiming for completion by December 2024.
Rustic Town is a unique “workcation” venture that provides a combined workspace and vacation space. It is a pivotal undertaking initiated by young entrepreneurs who relocated to Gokseong-gun and established a local venture cooperative called Farmnd. Last year, they successfully launched the Rustic Town Shimcheong branch.
The Farmnd team embarked on the Rustic Town project as a response to the rural depopulation crisis, recognizing the importance of securing a sustainable local population for long-term community development.
Their aim is to transform Gokseong into an example of an ideal work environment, attracting businesses and naturally drawing in young residents. The county has responded positively to these innovative endeavors, allocating funds from the Local Disappearance Response Fund to support the Rustic Town upgrade.
The Rustic Town upgrade project, slated for completion by December 2024, will encompass a 14,000 square meter area that was formerly Samgi Middle School. This space will feature fifteen modular workhouses, a shared office, four modular houses for rural study programs, and a community center for rural study-abroad villages, all designed to maximize the positive impact of population influx.
The Farmnd team embarked on the Rustic Town project as a response to the rural depopulation crisis, recognizing the importance of securing a sustainable local population for long-term community development. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
Farmnd anticipates that the Rustic Town upgrade, funded by the Local Disappearance Response Fund, will attract corporate clients, further enhancing the region’s appeal.
Many are increasingly intrigued by the potential of using local tourist destinations to attract workplace companies as a novel solution to combat rural depopulation.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
