Bonghwa County, a rural area in North Gyeongsang Province, has unveiled an ambitious scheme that links its future growth to a centuries‑old Korean‑Vietnamese story. The project is worth following because it blends heritage with economic strategy.

Bonghwa County says it will launch eight projects worth a total of 347.6 billion won (US$260 million) between 2026 and 2030 as part of the K‑Vietnam Valley Special Zone. The plan is intended to revitalize the local economy and attract new residents.

The plan centers on the 800‑year‑old story of the Hwasan Lee clan, who trace their ancestry to Vietnamese prince Ly Long Tuong, known in Korea as Lee Yong‑sang. Only a handful of clan members still live in Bonghwa, but their lineage is now the project's core.

The special‑zone designation exempts the area from some immigration, land‑use and housing regulations, aiming to attract foreign residents and workers. Planned facilities include a Vietnamese cultural centre, a Korea‑Vietnam history experience centre, a cultural street, visitor accommodations, tourism facilities around a local reservoir and smart farms. Gyeongbuk Maeil reported that about 47 % of Bonghwa’s residents were 65 or older as of September, which is why the county is pursuing growth through this heritage‑driven project.

The key lesson is that cultural heritage can become a powerful engine for economic development and demographic renewal. By turning an 800‑year‑old royal lineage into a modern investment zone, Bonghwa hopes to create jobs, draw newcomers and secure a sustainable future.