[Rediscovering Rural Life] Leaving the City, I Also Find My 'Little Forest'... From Dream to Reality

Rural Areas Regain Attention as Living Spaces
Limitations in Jobs and Living Infrastructure... Government Begins Study on Rural Spatial Planning

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Sejong=Reporter Son Seonhee] Recently, as people tired of city life, including famous celebrities, have shown interest in returning to farming and rural living, rural areas are once again gaining attention as "living spaces for modern people." In South Korea, where an excessive population is concentrated in cities, housing and environmental issues have long been social problems. The government has also initiated related institutional improvements and research in line with this trend.

According to the government on the 23rd, the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs is pushing for the enactment of the "Act on Rural Spatial Restructuring and Regeneration Support" within this year through discussions with the National Assembly. The bill, proposed last August, mandates the establishment of plans for rural spatial restructuring and functional regeneration (a basic 10-year plan plus a 5-year implementation period). Additionally, it plans to introduce seven types of rural specialized zones to utilize rural spaces more efficiently. Unlike overcrowded cities, rural areas are gaining renewed recognition for their pleasant residential environments, natural landscapes, and unique community cultures, acknowledging their potential.

However, challenges remain. There are difficulties in accommodating the younger generation due to a lack of jobs, and living areas are dispersed because essential infrastructure such as hospitals and transportation is not adequately established. In a 2020 public opinion survey conducted by the Korea Rural Economic Institute (KREI), the most cited dissatisfaction with rural life was "poor housing and living environment" at 38.7%, followed by "insufficient medical environment" at 20.2%.

In response, ahead of the law's enactment, the government has begun research to establish proper rural spatial planning. The Rural Development Administration is building a data management system covering basic rural living infrastructure, environment, society, and culture, and based on this, is conducting research on "rural spatial regeneration technology development." This will support policies by providing relevant evidence during the planning and implementation of rural plans.

Furthermore, since June, the Rural Development Administration and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs have jointly operated the "Rural Identity Forum," involving private sectors, industries, and academia. Through on-site discussions with local governments in rural areas, the forum aims to share regional development projects and actual rural spatial planning cases and related strategies. By collecting opinions from various stakeholders, it plans to develop spatial regeneration models reflecting regional characteristics and discover inter-ministerial linked projects.