Honam Statistics Office Conducts 'Economic Census' to Analyze Economic Changes Before and After COVID-19

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Yoon Jamin] The Honam Regional Statistics Office (Director Lee Hoseok) announced on the 14th that it will conduct the "2020 Economic Census" targeting businesses within the Honam region until the 30th of next month.

The Economic Census is a large-scale survey conducted every five years nationwide targeting businesses to understand the overall structure and distribution of all industries in South Korea.

This survey is significant as it is the first large-scale economic statistical survey that can identify economic changes before and after the outbreak of COVID-19.

To reflect recent industrial change trends, the survey scope has been expanded to include businesses without physical locations, such as e-commerce companies and one-person media.

To reduce respondent burden and increase survey efficiency, a combination of full surveys and sample surveys will be conducted partially, considering the size and industry of the businesses.

The survey items consist of 13 common items across all industries, such as the number of employees and business performance, and 24 detailed characteristic items by industry, including whether delivery sales or digital platform transactions are conducted. The survey results will be announced in June next year.

Additionally, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, a non-face-to-face survey (internet, email, fax) will be conducted until the 9th of next month. For businesses that do not participate, face-to-face surveys will be conducted by investigators visiting the businesses directly while complying with quarantine rules such as wearing masks and carrying hand sanitizers.

Lee Hoseok, Director of the Honam Regional Statistics Office, said, "Although it is a difficult situation due to COVID-19, we ask for the sincere responses and active participation of local small business owners and entrepreneurs in this Economic Census, which will illuminate the future of our region and ultimately the South Korean economy."