Korea's regional cities bet on culture for growth
Nestled along the banks of the Miryang River in South Gyeongsang Province, about 270 kilometers southeast of Seoul, an ambitious national initiative for regional development is taking shape. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in collaboration with South Gyeongsang Province and the National Council of Cultural Cities, opened the 2026 National Cultural City Fair on Friday. Running through Sunday near the historic Yeongnamru Pavilion, the four-day gathering brings together 37 designated “cultural cities” across Korea to share how local heritage can help revitalize provincial towns. Faced with severe demographic shifts and rapid rural depopulation, Korea launched its Cultural City initiative in 2019. The policy aims to empower municipalities, local artists and residents to cultivate unique cultural identities, driving local economic growth and reversing youth exodus. Over the past seven years, the program has grown into a cornerstone of regional policy, providing structural support to help smaller cities build sustainable, creative ecosystems outside the capital region. “Cult
