The government has selected 268 beneficiaries for a state loan program regarding businesses in rural areas.
 
The figure represents an increase of 65-point-four percent from the previous year.
 
The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries said on Monday that more people are seeking opportunities in rural areas as baby boomers are retiring and young people are having difficulties finding jobs.
 
Ninety-eight people or 36 percent of the 268 beneficiaries of the program are in their 40s, making up the largest portion. Those in their 50s accounted for 31 percent, followed by those in their 30s and 60s.
 
The ratio of men was 88-point-eight percent, while that of women was eleven percent.
 
Sixty five-point-seven percent are planning to invest in fishing, while 25 percent are seeking opportunities in the aquaculture industry.
 
By region, 108 people or 40 percent are seeking to settle and invest in South Jeolla Province, followed by South Gyeongsang Province at 21 percent and South Chungcheong Province at 18 percent.
 
The ministry will provide the beneficiaries with low interest loans of up to 350 million won per person.