The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries is restructuring the Rural Revitalization 3.0 initiative to focus on economic independence and improving residents' quality of life. For 2027, 40 new sites have been selected, with plans to promote economic advancement models tailored to local characteristics, including tourism, smart aquaculture, and youth entrepreneurship, while also enhancing living services and safety infrastructure. The ministry aims to strengthen management throughout the project to prevent idle facilities and increase the effectiveness of the initiative.
On November 9, the ministry announced the selection of 40 new sites for the 2027 Rural Revitalization 3.0 initiative and outlined plans for restructuring and enhancing the program.
Five sites selected for economic advancement will focus on strategies that leverage local characteristics for economic independence. In Samcheok, Gangwon Province, the Samcheok Port will be developed into a 'stay-type tourism hub' by integrating a resort-style cultural complex with the Samcheok Ocean Link. In Donghae City, Mukho Port will be developed as a 'tourism-centered model' by establishing a recreational complex resort and attracting specialized universities to create a residential base.
At Naro-do Port in Goheung County, Jeollanam-do, an AI and ICT-based smart aquaculture facility will be combined with a seafood processing support center, while at Hoejin Port in Jangheung County, leisure stays will be linked with infrastructure for youth entrepreneurship. In Ansan City, Gyeonggi Province, a complex facility will be established with marine leisure and industrial diving training capabilities, implementing an industry-centered self-reliance model.
Thirty-five sites have been selected across ten cities and provinces for the 'rural recovery' category, focusing on improving residents' quality of life. The initiative will establish community centers and shared facilities to provide care, health management, and cultural and welfare services, expanding the service delivery system to nearby villages. Additionally, measures such as extending breakwaters, expanding wharves, and installing smart safety management systems will be implemented to create harbors that are safe from natural disasters like typhoons and waves.
Along with the selection of these sites, the ministry is refining the structure of the Rural Revitalization 3.0 initiative to enhance its sustainability. The project structure will be reorganized into four types. The economic advancement type will maintain its existing structure but focus on creating specialized economic hubs. The rural recovery type will be divided into Type I, focusing on new developments, and Type II, emphasizing the use of existing facilities. A new 'rural safety type' will be established to improve safety infrastructure in preparation for natural disasters and implement a public ferry system.
To account for administrative procedures, the project duration for the economic advancement type will be extended by one year to six years, while the duration for rural recovery Type I will also be extended by one year to five years. However, these structural changes will be finalized after consultations with the Ministry of Economy and Finance.
The ministry will also strengthen management throughout the project cycle. During the selection phase, new project applications from local governments that fall below the national budget execution rate will be restricted, and the utilization performance of completed facilities will be factored into evaluations. In the review phase, plans lacking economic feasibility analysis will be rejected through prior written reviews.
In the implementation phase, if a contract is not awarded within six months of site selection, the selection will be canceled. In the post-management phase, asset management and operational status checks will be separated to establish a continuous monitoring system, with measures taken based on the duration of facility inactivity to encourage the normal operation of idle facilities. Flexible changes in use will be allowed, and a responsibility management system based on ordinances will be established to enhance the effectiveness of facility operations.
The revised guidelines for the project and implementation instructions reflecting these changes will be amended by the end of this year. The restructuring of the project, site selection, and basic plan reviews will apply starting from the 2028 application round, while revisions in the implementation and post-management phases will also be applied to ongoing projects to enhance management effectiveness.
Minister of Oceans and Fisheries Hwang Jong-woo stated, "We will thoroughly operate the management system throughout the project cycle to ensure that the newly selected regions successfully establish the initiative and that existing facilities can be utilized as valuable assets for rural communities."
* This article has been translated by AI.
Copyright ⓒ Aju Press All rights reserved.