Revitalization projects for old downtown areas have been underway across the nation.
(순천시) Suncheon-si in South (전라) Jeolla Province, is notedly giving life to its old areas by attracting artists and businesses.
Joseph Kim reports.


(순천) Suncheon in South (전라) Jeolla Province is famous for the (순천) Suncheon Bay National Garden and the(순천) Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve, one of the five largest wetlands in the world.


Old areas of (순천) Suncheon that had shown a decrease in the number of residents for years start to bloom as artists move in.


Artists have moved into the old areas of (순천) Suncheon since 2015 from all over the country.


Artists keep their work staying at the artist town created to revitalize old areas of (순천) Suncheon.

Some artists settle down in the town and open their own workshop.


Workshops at the artist town provide various cultural and art programs and the programs draw interest and participation from area residents.

(순천) Suncheon City runs the so-called “Empty Home Bank” program which manages and rents out homes that remain empty over 6 months.


Four years ago, the area had 150 empty homes. Now there are only 5 empty homes.
The floating population has also grown to 430,000 from 260,000 over the last four years.


The once lifeless and dull area is becoming a place for young artists and young businesses.


Young people come back to the transformed old area.
(옥리단길) Okridangil alley in the artist town is full of young artists and young business owners who stretch their work to the night.


The alley enjoys its 2nd golden age.

The city-led revitalization project comes to the finish.
And now, area residents and moved-in young artists spontaneously communicate and work together.


(순천) Suncheon City’s old area revitalization project is considered as the best example.



United area residents, local government and experts give life to a city once in the doldrums.

Joseph Kim, KCTV