CRI

 [ABSTRACT]

The rural areas of Chungbuk are facing serious challenges due to population decline and aging demographics, resulting in labor shortages and worsening living conditions. Population outflow has weakened the rural economic base, while aging has led to declining agricultural productivity and the collapse of local communities. This study aims to establish strategies for sustainable rural development and propose actionable plans across various sectors to transform Chungbuk's rural areas into attractive spaces.

As of 2022, the population of Chungbuk is approximately 1.62 million, with about 42.15% residing in rural areas (eups and myeons), a steadily declining trend. Particularly, the population in myeon areas is decreasing sharply. The aging rate is severe, with 31.08% of myeon residents aged 65 and older, placing the region in a super-aged society. This demographic shift exacerbates the rural population cliff and economic crisis.

The rural economy, primarily driven by agriculture, faces labor shortages due to the outflow of young people and an aging workforce. Structural changes and innovations are needed to increase rural incomes and create jobs. Additionally, living conditions in rural areas have deteriorated due to inadequate infrastructure, an increase in vacant houses, and aging housing. The reduction of essential services such as hospitals, pharmacies, and convenience facilities has further worsened the quality of life.

To address these issues, a perception survey of urban residents regarding rural areas was conducted. The survey revealed that while many urban residents expressed interest in rural life, the lack of adequate living environments and job opportunities were major barriers to relocation. Urban residents perceived the natural environment and leisurely lifestyle as attractive features of rural areas, but pointed out the lack of infrastructure, medical services, and education as significant drawbacks.

Based on the findings, sector-specific strategies for developing an attractive rural Chungbuk were derived: Agricultural Sector: Transition to smart agriculture by expanding smart farms utilizing fourth industrial revolution technologies and promoting agricultural automation. Support youth agricultural entrepreneurship, strengthen policies encouraging urban-to-rural migration, foster young farmers, and enhance the added value of agricultural products through eco-friendly farming and branding of local specialties.

Economic and Employment Sector: Promote local business startups using regional resources, expand jobs in non-agricultural sectors such as tourism and agri-food processing, and create rural-specific job opportunities.

Spatial Utilization Sector: Reuse idle spaces by repurposing vacant houses and unused spaces for startups, creating cultural hubs, and fostering rural management companies specializing in the management of these spaces.

Transportation Sector: Expand demand-responsive transportation services tailored to vulnerable areas within rural regions and propose pilot projects for autonomous vehicles to secure mobility in rural areas at risk of depopulation.

Tourism Sector: Develop experiential tourism products utilizing rural resources, strengthen marketing efforts, and cultivate local creators to discover region-specific tourism content and business models.

Environmental Sector: Establish an integrated management system for pollution sources in agriculture, livestock, and forestry, and promote the use of renewable energy such as biogas to transition to eco-friendly energy.

Welfare Sector: Enhance medical and welfare services by expanding home care and health centers, increasing tailored senior care services, and improving childcare facilities and shared care centers.

Cultural Sector: Activate cultural and leisure opportunities by expanding cultural and arts programs and lifelong education centered on community centers.

The overarching vision for creating an attractive rural Chungbuk is "A Livable and Desirable Rural Chungbuk," aiming for: Economic Sustainability: Stable agricultural foundations and the creation of new jobs.

Improved Living Conditions: Expanded infrastructure and enhanced quality of life.

Environmental and Community Sustainability: Preservation of the natural environment and revitalization of local communities.

This study diagnoses the challenges faced by rural Chungbuk and provides strategic approaches to address them. By implementing sector-specific strategies and a master plan, it is expected that rural areas will see economic revitalization, improved living conditions, and increased population inflows. Ultimately, this will position Chungbuk as a livable space and achieve sustainable rural development.