“The Power to Revive Regions Lies in Residents’ Endogenous Action” — Interview with Dr. Sangyong Um, Author of The Rebellion of the Region 

Now that the crisis of regional extinction has become a reality, the phrase “reviving local communities” is no longer just an idealistic slogan.

What should we reflect on and put into practice to create regions where people can truly live?

To explore this question, Jiro interviewed Dr. Sangyong Um, author of The Rebellion of the Region and CEO of EventNet.

Today’s Interviewee
Name: Sangyong Um

Career Highlights

• 1993: Commendation from the Daejeon Expo Organizing Committee
  
  

• Sep. 2021 – 2022: Advisory Committee Member, Goesan World Organic Industry Expo
  
  

• Jul. 2020 – 2020: Advisory Committee Member, Waterway Plus Ara Waterway Citizen Proposal Project
  
  

• Feb. 2015 – Feb. 2019: Executive Board Member, Korea Federation of SMEs
  
  

• Current: CEO, EventNet
  
  

Publications

• Regional Revitalization Strategy (Translation)
  
  

• Designing the Region (Translation)
  
  

• The Rebellion of the Region (Author)
  
  

Interview with Dr. Sangyong Um, Author of The Rebellion of the Region

Q1. Could you explain the concepts of regional extinction and revitalization?
A: Regional extinction isn’t just about population decline. It’s a convergence of aging, low birthrates, and the concentration of people in the capital region, which hollow out and threaten the very existence of local communities. In 2014, Hiroya Masuda in Japan published the “Masuda Report,” warning that nearly 900 municipalities could disappear by 2040. That report sparked the concept of regional extinction. From then on, the policy of “regional revitalization” emerged in earnest under the banner of “chihō sōsei” (regional creation).

Korea is facing a similar situation. More than half of the population is concentrated in Seoul and the surrounding metropolitan area, while regional areas are losing people, jobs, and vitality. However, the approach differs slightly from Japan’s. Korea tends to lean toward “urban regeneration” rather than “regional creation.” The former reuses existing resources, while the latter focuses on creating something entirely new.

Q2. Why is regional revitalization necessary?
A: It’s no longer a matter of choice—it’s a necessity. Without revitalization, regions become uninhabitable. Of course, capital concentration isn’t new, and securing a stable residential population is difficult. Still, something must be done.

We need to shift our mindset to see revitalization as essential. Instead of asking “Why isn’t our town developing?” we must ask whether the agent of change will be outside capital—or ourselves. In many cases, it’s passionate outsiders who drive regional change. But I believe that local-led initiatives—“endogenous movements”—are key. It starts with local people recognizing the need and acting on it.

Q3. What should endogenous movements for regional revitalization look like?
A: Attracting outside capital always carries risks. Bringing in corporations, military bases, or even high-speed rail lines can involve huge effort and end in failure. If things don’t work out, the costs are high.

In contrast, endogenous programs created by residents pose less risk, even if they fail. Still, these grassroots efforts need administrative support. Local government leaders and public servants must change their thinking. In my lectures, I emphasize the importance of the “captain” — the mayor or head of the municipality. Their vision sets the tone.

Q4. What are local resources, and how should they be utilized?
A: Local resources are essentially what’s already present in a region. For instance, Daegu’s Chicken and Beer (Chimaek) Festival makes sense because the area is known for its chicken. Combining this with beer creates a unique, locally rooted event.

In places like Hampyeong, where butterflies actually gather, a butterfly festival becomes a natural fit. The Nakdong River Peace Festival in Chilgok is another example—it uses the river as a backdrop to promote peace.

Resources shouldn’t be imported—they must start from what’s truly local. Asking “What do we have here?” is the beginning of reinterpreting local assets. Projects like prefabricated suspension bridges that have no connection to local character waste budgets and lack impact. Successful revitalization hinges on using authentic regional resources.

Q5. How should local festivals be designed?
A: They should reflect local characteristics. Also, efforts must be made to ensure the region’s identity isn’t lost or diluted over time.

Take the Ureuk Cultural Festival, for example. Ureuk was a historical figure famous for playing the gayageum. The festival was named in his honor. While it initially captured the region’s identity well, the connection has weakened over time. For festivals to retain meaning, they must maintain a continuous narrative thread—something that is often difficult.

Q6. What can we learn from Japan’s regional revitalization policy?
A: Japan began using the term chihō sōsei (regional creation) in 2014, with the Cabinet Office overseeing efforts. For example, Shimane Prefecture invites its natives who live in Tokyo to participate in the “Shimagoto Academy” and promote local products. They’ve also opened regional product shops in Tokyo.

I once spoke with the head of Japan’s regional revitalization department and felt that some of their efforts were starting to show visible results. Japan conceptualized regional extinction earlier than Korea, and it’s entering a phase where policies are bearing fruit. Korea could learn from these cases—many Korean delegations already visit Japan for study trips.

Q7. What is “relational population,” and how does it relate to revitalization?
A: The term originated in Japan. Say someone served in the military in Cheorwon—later on, they might feel drawn to revisit the area. If someone visits due to a business trip or festival and grabs a meal there, they become part of the relational population.

In Korea, this concept was translated into “living population.” Unlike Japan, Korea’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism includes tourists in this count, whereas Japan excludes tourists and permanent residents.

Japan has taken active steps to increase relational populations. Korea, on the other hand, tends to stop at theoretical discussions. We need to build an appropriate conceptual framework and take practical steps to grow this population group.

Q8. Are there real-life success stories of regional revitalization?
A: Yes. In Toyako, Japan, residents create their own ice lanterns and hold a 40-day festival. With an entry fee of around 10,000 KRW per person, it draws about 400,000 visitors annually. Just the entry fees are a big source of income, and the spending by tourists is substantial.

In Okayama, a group called a-zero grows eels and strawberries, runs a café, and offers woodworking classes. Initially, people wondered if it would be profitable—but the number of visitors has grown enormously. A business that began 10 years ago with a single person now employs about 170 people.

Nagoya turned an old pottery factory site into a cultural space. Korea has tried similar things with old factories or tobacco corporation sites, but the Nagoya example is much more integrated and experiential. Korea needs to move beyond simple site reuse and focus on fully realizing each location’s unique character.

Q9. Lastly, do you have any words for those working on regional revitalization?
A: As I mentioned, endogenous initiative is most important. The question is: are we willing to take action on our own?

Even writing a blog can spark interest. Someone might reach out because of what they saw. I’ve been blogging for nearly 20 years, and through that, I’ve naturally learned skills like marketing. These experiences make future revitalization projects much easier.

The key is to try things for yourself. Once you realize, “Hey, this actually works,” it becomes a powerful tool. You’ll have done something others haven’t.