Goheung-gun Announces Results of Return-to-Farming and Rural Migration Survey

Published 14 Dec.2023 14:12(KST)

Utilized as Policy Data to Establish a 100,000 Population Base in Goheung

Gohung-gun, Jeonnam Province (Governor Gong Yeong-min) conducted the 1st Gohung-gun Return-to-Farming and Return-to-Village Survey from July 3 to July 20, and announced the results on the 14th.

This survey was conducted for the first time in collaboration with the Honam Regional Statistics Office to understand the overall changes in living environments before and after moving for return-to-farming and return-to-village households. It targeted household heads and household members aged 19 or older who moved to Gohung-gun within the last three years (2018?2020).

[Photo by Goheung-gun]

The survey results showed that in the past three years, there are 1,206 households and 1,504 individuals aged 19 or older who have returned to farming or village life in Gohung. Among them, 799 households with 971 individuals are return-to-village, and 407 households with 533 individuals are return-to-farming.

Among the newcomers, 58.7% were originally from Gohung-gun, which is higher than the 40.4% from other regions. The most common reason for choosing Gohung-gun was “because it is their hometown,” with 43.8% of return-to-village and 54.2% of return-to-farming respondents citing this reason.

Regarding overall satisfaction, 38.5% expressed satisfaction, which is more than three times higher than the 12.5% who expressed dissatisfaction. The main reason for satisfaction was “natural environment and scenery” at 69.6%, while the main reason for dissatisfaction was “lack of convenience facilities” at 43.2%.

Among return-to-farming and return-to-village individuals, 92.3% responded that they have no plans to move to another region from their current residence. Of the 7.7% who do have relocation plans, issues such as “problems purchasing houses, sites, or land” (21.8%), “problems with living facilities” (15.5%), and “economic problems” (14.9%) were reported.

Return-to-farming and return-to-village individuals indicated that policies needed for successful settlement include “support for house purchase and rental funds” (27.4%), “provision of information on farmland, housing, and jobs” (17.8%), and “promotion of return-to-farming and return-to-village” (13.9%). As for public services that should be expanded in the future, they pointed to “health management and health promotion services” (32.0%) and “comprehensive elderly care services” (19.7%).

A county official stated, “This survey has produced basic data for establishing tailored policies to enhance competitiveness for population inflow and for the successful settlement of return-to-farming and return-to-village households.” He added, “This will accelerate the foundation for a population of 100,000 in Gohung in 10 years.”

Meanwhile, the survey results can be viewed on the official Gohung-gun website (under Administrative Information, Statistical Information, Return-to-Farming and Return-to-Village Survey).