The South Korean government has prioritized regional community recovery as a cornerstone of its 2026 policy agenda, recognizing that local revitalization is essential for national sustainability. President Lee Jae-myung has repeatedly emphasized overcoming the capital-centric system and fostering fair opportunities across all regions. The policy aims to transform local communities from mere residential spaces into vibrant hubs for work, consumption, care, and culture. This approach moves beyond declarations, focusing on tangible improvements in citizens’ daily lives. The government seeks to address rapid depopulation and economic stagnation by making regions attractive for residents and businesses.
The policy impacts a wide range of stakeholders, including youth, local businesses, cultural organizations, and rural residents. The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Energy is leading the ‘5 Regions, 3 Special Zones’ strategy, selecting regional growth engines and providing integrated support packages. The Ministry of Employment and Labor has revamped the Youth Job Incentive program, increasing maximum incentives for non-capital area youth from 4.8 million KRW to 7.2 million KRW. The Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism is expanding the Culture Nuri Card program to 2.7 million recipients and raising annual support to 150,000 KRW per person. Rural communities benefit from pilot basic income projects and expanded seasonal labor support, targeting 324,000 residents in ten counties.
Implementation begins in 2026, with central and local governments collaborating alongside private enterprises. The ‘5 Regions, 3 Special Zones’ strategy restructures national growth around five metropolitan areas and three special autonomous provinces, confirmed on September 30, 2025. Youth incentives are distributed semi-annually for up to 24 months, while cultural programs increase regional performances and exhibitions by over 40%. Rural pilot income projects and expanded labor support are set for launch in designated counties, with increased funding and improved working conditions for foreign seasonal workers. These measures are designed to create sustainable, self-reinforcing regional economies.
Frequently asked questions include: Who is eligible for the expanded youth job incentives? Youth employed by SMEs and mid-sized companies in non-capital regions, including those in industrial complexes, can receive up to 7.2 million KRW over two years. How does the Culture Nuri Card expansion affect access? The program now covers 2.7 million people, with increased annual support and additional funds for youth and seniors, enabling broader participation in cultural activities. What support is available for rural communities? Residents in ten depopulating counties receive monthly basic income, and agricultural labor shortages are addressed through expanded public seasonal labor programs and improved conditions for foreign workers.
South Korea’s 2026 regional community recovery policy is notable for its integrated approach, combining employment, cultural, and rural support measures. The expansion of youth job incentives and cultural accessibility, alongside targeted rural income pilots, addresses both economic and social dimensions of regional revitalization. The policy’s multi-agency collaboration and increased funding signal a strong commitment to balanced national development. By focusing on sustainable, self-reinforcing local economies, the government is positioning regions as attractive places to live and work, rather than areas of decline.