{"id":2201460,"date":"2023-06-23T08:00:11","date_gmt":"2023-06-22T23:00:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2201460"},"modified":"2023-06-22T15:29:08","modified_gmt":"2023-06-22T06:29:08","slug":"south-korean-government-data-shows-notable-decline-in-rural-relocation-in-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2023\/06\/south-korean-government-data-shows-notable-decline-in-rural-relocation-in-2022\/","title":{"rendered":"South Korean government data shows notable decline in rural relocation in 2022"},"content":{"rendered":"
Recent <\/span>data<\/span><\/a> compiled by Korea\u2019s agriculture ministry indicates a marked decrease in the migration from urban areas to farming and fishing villages in 2022, following a two-year uptrend induced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Figures show a 12.3% decline in the number of people moving to farming villages and a 16.2% decrease in the number of households relocating to fishing villages.<\/span><\/p>\n This reversal in rural migration correlates with a <\/span>recovery<\/span><\/a> in the service sector following a surge driven by pandemic-related disruptions and rising urban housing costs. The data also reveals demographic trends among the relocating households. Of those moving to farming communities for the specific purpose of working in the agriculture industry, 75.3% were single-family households, with an average householder age of 56.4. Meanwhile, among non-farming rural migrants, 42.2% were in their 20s and 30s and the average age of householders was 45.7.<\/span><\/p>\n Dear readers,<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n At KOREA PRO, we are committed to providing engaging and informative content tailored to our discerning audience. Recognizing the significance of your perspectives in enriching our offerings, we cordially extend an invitation for your participation in a brief <\/span><\/i>5-minute survey<\/span><\/i><\/a>. This opportunity allows us to capture your invaluable feedback and insights, which we greatly appreciate and consider integral to our ongoing commitment to service excellence.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n Why It Matters<\/b><\/p>\n The declining trend in migration to rural regions is of significant concern, particularly when viewed in the context of South Korea\u2019s falling birth rate. As <\/span>more than half<\/span><\/a> of South Korea\u2019s 52 million people live in or around the Seoul metropolitan area, the situation has created a practical city-state that has seen rising real estate costs and soaring childcare costs. Those factors in turn have partially deterred young people from marrying and starting families.<\/span><\/p>\n In addition to the aforementioned challenges, the decreasing migration to rural provinces contributes to another serious issue: the depopulation of these areas. As younger generations flock to urban regions, rural provinces are left predominantly inhabited by senior citizens. This demographic shift has led to an increase in \u201c<\/span>ghost towns<\/span><\/a>,\u201d with businesses, schools and banks closing their doors due to the dwindling population. This leaves the remaining elderly residents even more vulnerable as they struggle with the lack of essential services and infrastructure in their communities.<\/span><\/p>\n With the continued concentration of the population in Seoul, pressure on urban resources will mount while rural areas will continue to depopulate and age. Thus, both urban and rural areas will likely face heightened challenges in the future.<\/span><\/p>\n