Sinan County Sees Population Growth for Two Consecutive Years... Four More Inhabited Islands Added

First in the Nation: The Impact of Renewable Energy Profit-Sharing
Income Gained Through Oyster Farming and Garden Tree Social Cooperatives

Shinan County in Jeollanam-do (Governor Park Wooriang) has reported a surprising result in the 2025 inhabited island statistical survey (as of December 31, 2024): the total number of islands remains unchanged at 1,028, but notable changes have occurred.

According to the county on the 26th, this marks the beginning of a counteraction against population extinction and the resulting increase in uninhabited islands, issues currently under national scrutiny. The net population?calculated by offsetting incoming and outgoing residents?increased by 179 in 2023 and by 136 in 2024. The number of inhabited islands rose from 77 to 81, with four new inhabited islands (three in Aphae-eup and one in Jeungdo), while the number of uninhabited islands decreased from 951 to 947.

Scenic View of Cheonsa Bridge in Sinan County

The consecutive increases in both population and inhabited islands over the past two years are not merely administrative changes. In a situation where the total population of South Korea has decreased by over 100,000 compared to the previous year, it is nothing short of miraculous that Shinan?known for its particularly challenging living conditions?has seen a population increase. This remarkable outcome is attributed to the county’s ongoing policy initiatives.

Shinan County was the first in the nation to implement a renewable energy profit-sharing system, providing a “Sunlight Pension” and a “Sunlight Child Allowance” for children and youth under 18. For young people facing economic hardship, the county runs a “Youth Fishing Boat Leasing Project.” In particular, for local or returning youth with no prior agricultural experience, the county has established smart farm management operations to impart practical agricultural skills and nurture them into full-time farmers.

Additionally, the cultivation of individual oysters supplied to fine-dining restaurants and the “Garden Tree Social Cooperative” are providing residents with tangible income opportunities.

The reasons behind the population increase do not end there. Since the division of the county in 1969, Shinan has promoted policies such as “One Island, One Museum” and “One Island, One Garden,” aiming to restore residents’ pride and improve quality of life by integrating culture, arts, and gardens into their everyday surroundings.

Lee Hyoseon, Director of Island Development and Promotion, commented on the survey results, saying, “This is not an outcome achieved by the county’s efforts alone. The county has developed quality policies, the Shinan County Council has cooperated with the administration, and most importantly, the residents have trusted and worked together with us, making this a joint achievement between the public and private sectors.”

She added, “We will continue our relentless efforts. By improving transportation and housing environments and expanding essential infrastructure, we aim to make Shinan a place where people want to stay and return to.”