The Presidential Committee for Regional Development on Sunday mapped out guidelines for introducing the new regional demarcation concept of “life zones” based on similar characteristics such as industries, proximity and historical background among regions.

The municipalities and residents will autonomously decide to team up with each other in setting up the zones, upon which the committee will review for finalization.

Agricultural and fishing districts with around 100,000 people, for instance, will be the smallest life zone, while small and medium-sized cities with between 100,000 and 500,000 residents will become urban and rural affiliated life zones, the committee said. Large cities with more than 500,000 people will be named “central city life zones.”

Two to four municipalities will form each life zone, which would lead to around 70 to 80 life zones across the country.

Once the zones are set, the government will pursue tailored development projects for each zone, including on economic revitalization, welfare and education.

The committee is planning to provide 65 billion won ($61 million) to fund the life zone project.

By Lee Hyun-jeong (rene@heraldcorp.com)