On December 23, 2025, a chilly winter morning in Gyeongju, South Korea, saw the gathering of local officials, residents, and cultural experts near Palujeong Park in Hwang-oh-dong. The occasion? The much-anticipated opening of the 'Hwang-oh Youth Ville,' a youth rental housing complex, as well as the official completion of the Gyeongju Imdaejudeung (Horse Riding Type) Memorial Hall. Both projects, though distinct, are bound by a common thread: the revitalization of Gyeongju’s urban fabric and the preservation of its cultural heritage, all while addressing the pressing needs of its younger generations.
The dual events mark a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing efforts to shape itself as a place where young people not only want to stay, but can also thrive. According to multiple local news outlets, including Dream Journal, News Today, and Newsworks, the city’s leadership, spearheaded by Mayor Joo Nak-young, has been clear in its intention: "I hope that Hwang-oh Youth Ville will become a real foundation for making Gyeongju a city where young people stay," he said at the ceremony, echoing sentiments of optimism and long-term vision.
So, what exactly is Hwang-oh Youth Ville? Tucked just off Taejong-ro (at 801-11), this newly remodeled rental housing complex offers 19 apartment units—17 tailored for single young adults and two designed for newlywed couples. The project is a direct response to mounting concerns about youth outmigration and housing insecurity, issues that have plagued many smaller Korean cities in recent years. The numbers speak for themselves: eligible tenants can rent these units for just 50,000 won (about $40) per month, for a minimum of two years and up to a maximum of four years. As News Today reported, this is expected to substantially reduce the housing burden for young people and newlyweds who don’t yet own homes.
But the initiative isn’t just about cheap rent. The project also includes shared community spaces designed to foster communication and networking among residents, creating a hub for youth activity and support. Recruitment for tenants began on December 22 and runs until January 12, 2026, with all details available via the Gyeongju City Hall website. The city hopes that this approach will not only stabilize the lives of its younger citizens but also encourage them to plant deeper roots in the community.
The launch of Hwang-oh Youth Ville is the latest achievement in the broader 'K-U City Project,' a regional initiative led by Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. The project, running from 2024 to 2027, aims to invest a total of 26 billion won across eight cities and counties, including Gyeongju, Andong, Yeongju, and others. Funding is split evenly between local extinction response funds and municipal budgets, demonstrating a collaborative approach to the demographic and social challenges facing the region. The ultimate goal? To create cities where young people can be born, educated, work, and enjoy life without feeling compelled to move elsewhere.
At the heart of these efforts lies a recognition that economic incentives alone aren’t enough. As Dream Journal noted, the city’s leadership sees housing as a key piece in the puzzle of youth retention. By providing affordable, stable, and community-oriented living spaces, officials hope to transform Gyeongju into a city where dreams can take root and grow. Mayor Joo Nak-young put it succinctly during the ceremony: "I hope Hwang-oh Youth Ville will be a solid starting point for young people and newlyweds to settle in Gyeongju and nurture their dreams."
Yet, the day’s events weren’t solely about the future. Gyeongju also looked back, celebrating the completion of the Imdaejudeung Memorial Hall—a sprawling complex of 19 buildings (17 of the traditional 'horse riding type' and two new types), constructed with a blend of 1 billion won from the local government and 5 billion won in private capital. The memorial hall is envisioned as a dynamic cultural tourism space, preserving the area’s rich traditions and history while offering new opportunities for learning and exploration.
The memorial hall’s construction is part of a four-year investment plan, and the city hopes it will become a focal point for both locals and visitors. "We aim to develop the memorial hall into a realistic tourism and cultural space that preserves the local tradition and history," city officials told Dream Journal. About 100 local residents and cultural experts attended the opening ceremony, underscoring the project’s deep community roots and the broad support it enjoys.
In tandem, these two projects—the youth housing complex and the memorial hall—represent a holistic approach to urban development. Where one looks to the future by supporting the next generation, the other honors the past by safeguarding collective memory. This duality is central to Gyeongju’s strategy as it navigates the challenges of a changing demographic landscape. As Newsworks reported, the local government emphasized that the memorial hall is a practical project, designed not just to preserve but to actively develop local tradition and history.
It’s worth noting that the city’s efforts aren’t limited to housing and heritage. On the same day, Gyeongju also announced the opening of its tenth 'Together Care Center'—a facility offering after-school and emergency care for elementary school children, regardless of family income. The center, located in a large new apartment complex, provides programs ranging from art and sports to coding and cooking, reflecting the city’s commitment to comprehensive, community-based support for families. As Nam Mi-kyung, head of Gyeongju’s Citizens Welfare Bureau, explained, "We will continue to expand after-school care facilities so that both children and parents can feel at ease."
All these initiatives are part of a larger, coordinated push to make Gyeongju not just a place of historical significance, but a vibrant, livable city for all ages. The city’s leaders, together with residents and private partners, are betting that by blending tradition with innovation, they can carve out a sustainable path forward. The hope is that young people, families, and visitors alike will find compelling reasons to call Gyeongju home—whether for a few years or a lifetime.
With the doors now open at Hwang-oh Youth Ville and the Imdaejudeung Memorial Hall, Gyeongju stands at a crossroads of renewal and remembrance. The coming years will reveal whether these investments can truly reverse the tide of youth outmigration and breathe new life into one of Korea’s most storied cities. For now, though, optimism is in the air, and the city’s bold experiment in community building is just getting started.
