earticle

영어

The purpose of this study is to figure out the characteristics of the rural centers change appearing due to population decreases in Jeollanam-do. The results of the study are summarized as follows. First, it was identified that rapid population decreases and aging have progressed together centering on myeon areas. The rates of population decreases in myeon areas were at least six times higher than those of eup areas and the rates of average ages changes were also shown to be higher in myeon areas than in eup areas. Second, the central place functions of myeon areas have been weakened very much while the central place functions of eup areas have been strengthened. Third, some differences in changes in the functions of the rural centers appeared according to regional characteristics. The center functions of surrounding areas of large cities and small cities tended to be strengthened or maintained and the phenomenon of declines or stagnation of center functions could be more frequently observed in island and rural areas farther from urban areas. Fourth, the functions of center related to expertism & technology, which are higher central industries and the basic living services for residents were bring weakened. It could be seen that following the population decreases, the spatial structures of rural areas were changing in much different ways from the past. In the long run, it is expected that the hierarchical structure will be simplified and converge into one or two center forms. Therefore, it is necessary to seek the development direction of rural areas to establish bases for the provision of living services such as welfare, culture, and various convenience functions in line with such changes.