Samcheok City and the Samcheok Rural Return & Settlement Comprehensive Support Center announced that they successfully concluded the "Living in Gangwon" program on June 30, which was operated to help urban residents make a stable transition to rural life.

"Living in Gangwon," part of Samcheok City's 2025 rural return and settlement attraction project, is a program that supports urban residents hoping to return to or settle in rural areas by providing temporary housing and training expenses. This allows them to experience rural life, agricultural practices, and interact with local residents for a certain period in their desired area.

This program was conducted in Sanyang Village, Wonjae-eup, Samcheok City, with 5 households and 7 individuals from the Seoul and Gyeonggi regions participating for approximately three months, from April 1 to June 30. All participants successfully completed the program, and among them, 3 households and 3 individuals changed their addresses to Samcheok City, laying the groundwork for actual settlement.

Participants gained practical advice and information through cultivating crops like potatoes and corn, experiencing farming, and meeting leading farmers and senior returnees. They also had the opportunity to acquire diverse skills, including completing basic agricultural technology training for new farmers and obtaining a Farm Party Planner certification.

Notably, participants expressed their gratitude to the welcoming villagers by opening a "Sanyang Village One-Day Cafe," serving drip coffee and refreshments, and presenting gim (seaweed) gift sets. This warm exchange added to the local community's cordiality.

The Sanyang Village operator stated, "Although it was a short period, I was proud that the village became more vibrant thanks to the participants' active involvement and talent contributions. We will continue to actively assist them with any necessary support during their settlement process."

An official from the Samcheok Rural Return & Settlement Comprehensive Support Center stated, "We will continue to provide support to urban residents preparing for rural return and settlement by offering practical information and experiential opportunities to encourage stable relocation and settlement."