Changwon Special City Takes Steps to Secure Population Inflow Momentum in Jinhae Dongbu

Changwon Special City in Gyeongnam will form and launch a dedicated TF for population response in the eastern Jinhae area (Ungcheon-dong, Ungdong 1-dong, Ungdong 2-dong) to secure the influx of population and maintain a population of 1 million.

The eastern Jinhae area borders Busan and is traversed north-south by the Namhae Expressway and east-west by National Route 2. Located at the center of the Busan-Jinhae Free Economic Zone, the area continues to experience steady growth thanks to economic conditions supported by port, logistics, and the hinterland city of the new port.

Changwon Special City Hall, Gyeongnam.
Photo by Lee Seryeong

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Moreover, despite the annual population decline in Changwon City, the eastern Jinhae area has maintained a steady increase with populations of 40,955 in 2016, 57,195 in 2018, 61,225 in 2020, and 67,576 in 2022.

However, as of last February, Changwon’s resident registration population was 1,018,699, highlighting the emphasized role of the eastern Jinhae area in maintaining the 1 million population mark. The city explained that a dedicated TF was formed to conduct a thorough investigation of the actual conditions of the population whose place of residence and resident registration address do not match among the living population adjacent to Busan, as well as to improve residential conditions and respond comprehensively to population issues in the eastern Jinhae area.

The Jinhae Eastern Population Response TF, consisting of four members including the team leader, will first engage directly with company officials, workers (resident registrants inside and outside the district), foreigners, and local residents on site. Through interviews and communication, the TF plans to conduct a detailed survey of residential conditions, floating population, and factors influencing residence decisions, focusing on housing infrastructure.

In particular, reflecting local public opinion that there has been much administrative neglect due to insufficient residential infrastructure compared to Gangseo-gu in Busan and the somewhat distant location from the center of Changwon, the TF will focus on identifying various administrative demands of the area.

Additionally, for cases where workplaces are in Jinhae but the registered address is in Busan or other regions, the TF will identify specific causes. For those actually residing in Jinhae but registered in other regions, efforts will be made to facilitate moving the resident registration to the actual place of residence.

Depending on local demand and work trends, the TF may also consider transitioning into a permanent organization.

Hong Nampyo, Mayor of Changwon Special City, stated, “The eastern Jinhae area is a growth hub of Changwon’s economy equipped with international logistics and port infrastructure and a key core area for maintaining a population of 1 million. We will concentrate all administrative power to ensure continuous population inflow through detailed situation analysis and beneficiary-centered improvements in residential environments.”

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