Gyeongbuk Creation Center Selects 5 Promising Local Content Companies

Gyeongsangbuk-do's regional revitalization strategy, the 'Local Content Revitalization Project based on Living Areas,' has taken its first step. In this public competition, organized by the Gyeongbuk Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, five local content projects were ultimately selected, and will receive up to 100 million won in regional revitalization funds and systematic support. This project aims to creatively reinterpret the unique culture, history, and lifestyle resources of the region, strengthen the local identity centered on living commercial areas through the cooperation of local residents, merchants, and local creators, and attract a "relationship population" (people who have a connection to a region without necessarily living there, contributing to its vitality) and promote regional vitality. The selected companies are expected to build differentiated business models and foster growth into 'local management companies' through capacity-building programs, including matching with commercial district planning experts and practice-oriented consulting. The five selected projects awaken the potential of various parts of Gyeongbuk. * **Shakasurf (Yeongdeok):** Plans surfing wellness content for female surfers in the Buheung Beach area, opening new horizons for coastal tourism. * **Re:Place (Mungyeong):** Connects agricultural resources and creators through the 'Baro Bat' (Immediate Field) project in the Sanyang-myeon living area, seeking sustainability for the rural economy. * **Share Life (Guryongpo):** Infuses modern vibrancy into the Guryongpo Modern Culture and History Street with the 'Hatt Haguryong' (Hot Guryong) project, expanding tourist inflow. * **Triangle Ship (Anpyeong Plain):** Plans the 'Anjurak' festival, linking rice, agricultural products, and traditional liquor, to increase the added value of local agricultural products and preserve traditional food culture. * **Cheongsekwon Cooperative (Uiseong):** Experiments with local content in the disaster and safety sector, focusing on the recovery and transition from wildfire damage, to propose a new model for regional regeneration. This project has demonstrated the growth potential of Gyeongbuk's local resources and laid the foundation for building sustainable business models. In particular, the selection of two companies from the Uiseong area is expected to generate positive synergy for the recovery and economic and social reconstruction of the wildfire-affected region. Yoo Joo-hyun, head of the Gyeongbuk Center for Creative Economy & Innovation, emphasized that this project holds significant meaning in discovering the unique charm of the region, creating differentiated local brands, expanding the "relationship population," and driving substantial growth in the era of regional development, and pledged active support.