Jecheon, a small city in South Korea, has been hit hard by aging and low birth rates, leading to closed schools, shuttered businesses, and dwindling populations. Mayor Kim Chang-gyu, a retired diplomat, has returned after four decades to tackle these issues.

Turning to History for Solutions

Mayor Kim is looking to Central Asia, targeting ethnic Koreans known as Koryo Saram. These descendants of Koreans deported by Stalin in 1937 are seen as potential new residents who can revitalize the city. With the aim to attract 1,000 people over three years, the initiative offers job assistance, housing, childcare, and education support.

Settling into Jecheon

The city’s newest residents, families from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan, have moved into a former college dormitory. While they appreciate the opportunity, they face challenges in adapting to Korean life. Despite some difficulties, new transplants like Andzhella Tyan, who opened an Uzbek restaurant, are beginning to integrate and contribute to the local economy.

The Road Ahead
Though the Koryo Saram have mixed feelings about their acceptance in South Korea, Mayor Kim is optimistic. His initiative aims to provide a stable future for both the migrants and Jecheon. The program’s success could serve as a model for other struggling cities in South Korea.