Muju County to Conduct Survey of Return-to-Farming and Return-to-Rural Residents Until June 13

Utilizing as Foundational Data for Policy Development of Return-to-Farming and Return-to-Rural Support Programs

Muju County in North Jeolla Province announced on May 27 that it will conduct a mail survey until June 13 to assess the settlement status, life satisfaction, and level of community integration among return-to-farming and return-to-rural residents.

Exterior view of Muju County Office. Provided by Muju County.

With the cooperation of the Muju County Return-to-Farming and Return-to-Rural Residents Association, the survey will target 471 association members. Through this survey, Muju County aims to objectively analyze and statistically quantify the actual living experiences and relationships with the local community of those who have settled in the area.

The detailed items of the survey include: ▲ background and duration of settlement for return-to-farming and return-to-rural residents ▲ current status of housing and agricultural activities ▲ satisfaction with relationships within the local community ▲ difficulties and suggestions. The results will be used as foundational data for policy development and determining support directions.

Kim Seongok, head of the Population Vitality Division of Muju County, stated, "This survey is a basic process to listen to the real voices of return-to-farming and return-to-rural residents who have settled in Muju and to reflect them in our policies." Kim added, "We expect it to serve as valuable material for designing more effective support projects for these residents."

Kim also mentioned, "After analyzing the survey results, we plan to share the findings and related content with return-to-farming and return-to-rural residents in Muju through performance sharing sessions and policy meetings with the association in the second half of the year. We will also share the policies for return-to-farming and return-to-rural residents in Muju that are established based on these results."

Meanwhile, over the past three years, 1,744 households and 3,287 individuals have returned to farming or rural life in the county. The county has supported their stable settlement through agricultural start-up and housing purchase loans, and is actively working to attract prospective residents through programs such as "Experience Life in Jeonbuk" and "Family Practice Farms."