As demand for long-term stays in popular areas like Jeju Island increases, local governments are providing financial support to reduce costs and promote extended travel experiences.
Recently, destinations such as Jeju, Busan, and Gangneung have seen a rise in travelers seeking to immerse themselves in local life rather than just visiting tourist attractions. This shift reflects a growing interest in experiencing the culture and nature of a region over a longer period.
Five years ago, I had a similar experience while staying in Jeju for a month. Breathing in the fresh air and exploring the island made me realize that living in a place outside of Seoul was a possibility. The experience of living in nature, away from the hustle and bustle of the city, took on a deeper meaning beyond mere travel.
However, the costs associated with long-term stays, including accommodation, food, and transportation, can be significant. To address this, many travelers are now looking into travel subsidies and support programs offered by local governments to make extended stays more affordable.
The platform 'HanDalSal' offers various stay programs ranging from day trips to week-long and month-long stays. Currently, Jeonbuk's Jinanshi is recruiting participants for its two-month 'Youth Dabang' program, which allows young people to explore local villages, farms, and community spaces.
There are also themed travel support programs, such as 'Forest Vacation,' operated by the Korea Forest Welfare Institute, which provide financial assistance for specific types of travel. Additionally, various local governments are running tourism support projects tailored to their unique characteristics.
Since the eligibility criteria, duration, and amount of support vary by program, those planning a long-term stay should regularly check the official channels of local governments and tourism organizations in their desired areas.
However, some experts caution that while these long-term stays may help, they are not a comprehensive solution to the issue of declining populations in rural areas. Most programs are temporary experiences that do not often lead to permanent relocation.
Experts argue that to effectively curb the outflow of young people from rural areas, it is essential to improve not only cultural and leisure programs but also job opportunities, entrepreneurship prospects, and living conditions.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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