For example, think about the transformation of a ghost town into a tourist destination—not as a city or town but as an “accommodations” unit. That’s what South Korea has attempted to do by adapting an innovative concept that has proven effective elsewhere in the world, specifically Japan.
The village of Kosuge in Japan went from forgotten and abandoned to currently receiving roughly 180,000 guests annually after it became known as a “village inn.” Not one physical building is considered the established “inn,” rather each structure in the entire reactive community serves as an operating component of the village. Instead of developing their own lodging resorts from scratch, the Kosuge community developed their whole village into an “inn” by converting vacant homes to guest rooms; providing a reception center from vacant buildings; developing a spa facility from vacant public baths; and utilizing local residents as employees through the provision of food service and security.
After determining that the growing rates of rural community depopulation are also occurring within South Korea, South Korean rural communities have begun to investigate opportunities provided by the former residents of various rural residential communities that are no longer present.
Policymakers and private innovators recently convened at a forum held in North Gyeongsang Province to discuss the challenge of empty homes in rural areas; however, their focus extended beyond just fixing abandoned houses and included catalyzing a re-imagination of what future rural life could be.
For example, a former brewery in Mungyeong has been transformed into a cultural/lifestyle venue that combines local agriculture with eclectic coffee-shop flair and draws approximately 60,000 visitors per year — Not bad for an establishment that might have been erased from our minds had it continued to sit empty.
Rural revitalization isn’t just about building infrastructure; it requires innovative thinking on the part of stakeholders. Cooperation is critical to fostering creative solutions — Governments provide resources and support, while private individuals contribute innovative concepts.
As a part of the South Korean government’s evolving vision for expanding the economy, they plan to improve funding opportunities for property owners/cities looking to deal with abandoned properties; property owners can qualify for subsidies of up to 16 million won to renovate/repair their homes. Additionally, they are creating an interactive website to connect available homes in rural settings with individuals living in urban areas who wish to relocate or begin new businesses in lower population density settings.
The plans for transforming approximately 15 vacant residences into a “Startup Village” at Jeju Island are underway. The purpose of the Startup Village is to draw in digital nomads. These people work remotely and want to experience a different lifestyle. The working component will include co-working and long-term housing in a tranquil environment.
In this instance, vacant homes are viewed as being a liability as opposed to an asset. They can be redesigned, repurposed, and reintegrated back into the economy in a new format.
Of course, this transformation will not occur overnight, as all rural areas have several challenges (accessible transportation and long-term viability for example). However, with the correct combination of policies and innovation, there is early evidence that rural communities can change their current perceptions.
This is not solely related to tourism. This is about changing how individuals live and connect with locations previously considered to be “left in the dust.”
If these types of hotels become more popular, the “village hotel” concept may become the future travel norm.
