Korea's regional cities bet on culture for growth
Nestled along the banks of the Miryang River in South Gyeongsang Province, about 270 kilometers southeast of Seoul, an ambitious national initiative for regional development is taking shape. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with South Gyeongsang Province and the National Council of Cultural Cities, opened the 2026 National Cultural City Fair on Friday. Running through…
In South Gyeongsang Province, near Miryang River, a nationwide effort for regional growth is underway. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism joined forces with the province and the National Council of Cultural Cities to launch the 2026 National Cultural City Fair. Over four days, from Friday to Sunday, at the historic Yeongnamru Pavilion, 37 "cultural cities" from Korea gathered to discuss how their heritage can revitalize their towns.
As severe demographic shifts and rural depopulation threaten Korea, the Cultural City initiative was introduced in 2019. This policy aims to empower local governments, artists, and residents to develop unique cultural identities, stimulating local economic growth and halting the youth emigration. Within seven years, the program has evolved into a vital part of regional policy, providing support to smaller cities in building sustainable, creative ecosystems beyond the capital area.
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- Korea's regional cities bet on culture for growth koreatimes.co.kr
