Changnyeong County Ranks First Among Gyeongsangnam-do Counties in 2024 Living Population According to Statistics Korea and Ministry of the Interior and Safety

Cumulative Living Population Surpasses 3.57 Million
Changnyeong Advances as a City for Extended Stays

Changnyeong County in Gyeongsangnam-do announced on July 10 that, according to an analysis of the '2024 Living Population in Population Decline Areas' data from Statistics Korea and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, its cumulative living population reached 3.57 million, ranking first among all counties in Gyeongsangnam-do.

The 'living population' is a concept that includes not only the resident registered population but also commuters, students, and tourists who stay in the area at least once a month for more than three hours a day, as well as foreigners. It serves as a key indicator of the actual vitality of a region.

Ranked No.1 in Resident Population Among Gunbu in Gyeongnam in 2024. Provided by Changnyeonggun

According to data from Statistics Korea and the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, while Changnyeong County's resident registered population is about 56,000, its annual average living population reaches approximately 300,000, indicating a very high proportion of non-resident population.

By month, the living population exceeded 300,000 from February to May and from September to October. In particular, during the Changnyeong Nakdong River Canola Flower Festival held in April, the figure peaked at 413,116, the highest of the year.

Last year, Changnyeong County successfully hosted a variety of festivals, including the Changnyeong Nakdong River Canola Flower Festival (April), the Cultural Heritage Night Tour (May), and the Bisabeol Cultural Festival (October). Leveraging its status as a UNESCO Triple Crown city, the county promoted eco-friendly tourism marketing by linking attractions such as Upo Wetland, Hwawang Mountain, and Bugok Hot Springs. As a result, the cumulative living population surpassed 3.57 million, firmly establishing Changnyeong as a city oriented toward extended stays.

County Governor Sung Nakin stated, "The living population is an important indicator for overcoming local extinction and has a significant impact on revitalizing the local economy. We will continue to develop various policies to increase the living population, such as promoting tourism and expanding the '5 Days in the City, 2 Days in the Countryside' experience, to create a vibrant Changnyeong."