Gyeonggi the Dream Regeneration Project: Development of the Happy Self-Reliance Platform of Sinseo-myeon, Yeoncheon-gun

Yeoncheon-gun in northern Gyeonggi Province is a representative area experiencing regional decline due to population loss. In 2023, Doshin-ri in Sinseo-myeon was selected for the “Gyeonggi The Dream” regeneration project, providing an opportunity to implement various initiatives to revitalize the declining community. This study aims to identify the needs of local residents through a survey before the full-scale implementation of the regeneration project and to propose a tailored business plan accordingly. To achieve this, the research employed various methodologies, including feasibility studies, extensive regional surveys encompassing social, cultural, and natural environments, and in-depth interviews with village leaders. The survey results showed that the majority of residents wished to see the reopening of the former Jinju Public Bathhouse, which was closed due to declining profitability. However, they also expressed a desire for efficient management that suits the village’s conditions, affordable usage fees, and the introduction of cultural programs. Additionally, there was a strong demand for practical services, such as medical facilities, reflecting the area’s aging population. Based on these findings, this study suggests reflecting residents’ opinions and consulting experts to redesign the second floor of the bathhouse as a guest room for military visitors, conduct community education to establish a cooperative committee, and organize a village cooperative to enhance the project’s efficiency and ensure transparent and sustainable operations.