earticle

영어

This substantive study focuses on the causes and state of the decline of noncapital regions with populations less than 200,000, while also seeking for alternative policies fit for these cities. Government employees working in the cities that observed the most decline such as Jeollabuk-do Kimje, Gyeongsangbuk-do Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Uiseong, Jeollabuk-do Imsil, and Jeollanam-do Bosung were surveyed. Questions such as the state of the city, possible enterprises dealing with the declining population, policies tailored for the city, and reasons leading to the shrinkage of their respective cities were asked. Through these collective answers, this study looks to find differentiated solutions to respond to the current state of urban shrinkage. The cities researched in this study are on the cusp of extinction due to the continuous decline in population. The main reason these cities face extinction is because of the deteriorating conditions of the primary industry. The main reason for shrinkage is the decline and aging of the population. Additionally, many were skeptical about the effectiveness of the policies responding to population decline which were led by the local government. Academia points out that in the New Normal age of low growth and low hiring rates, regional development policies focusing on expansion and dispersion are already at their limit. However, respondents of the survey called out that development-oriented policies such as creating industrial complexes would help vitalize the local economy. Many agree that in the standpoint of urban shrinkage, urban management policies should be promoted. However, growthoriented urban restoration policies are still being pushed ahead currently. Small cities in Korea experiencing continuous population decline need to embrace their current state and switch to urban policies considering smart decline that will suit their cities.