Key facts
- South Korea added three municipalities to its list of 'depopulation' areas, bringing the total to 92.
- The newly designated areas are Geumjeong Ward in Busan, Dongducheon, and Tongyeong.
- The interior ministry first announced the list of depopulation areas in 2021.
- The government has created a local extinction response fund of 1 trillion won (US$747 million) annually.
- Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung stated that government support will be concentrated on these areas.
South Korea has expanded its list of 'depopulation' areas by adding three more municipalities, bringing the total number of cities, counties, and wards facing the risk of regional extinction to 92. The interior ministry announced on Thursday that Geumjeong Ward in the southeastern city of Busan, Dongducheon city north of Seoul, and the southeastern city of Tongyeong are the latest additions to the existing 89 areas.
The government first introduced the list of depopulation areas in 2021 as part of a strategy to provide intensive support to regions struggling with declining populations due to chronically low birth rates and the concentration of people in the capital region. The updated list highlights the severity of the demographic challenge, with 16 areas in South Jeolla province, 15 in North Gyeongsang province, and 12 each in South Gyeongsang and Gangwon provinces identified as particularly affected.
In response to this crisis, the government has established a local extinction response fund, allocating 1 trillion won (US$747 million) annually. Interior Minister Yun Ho-jung stated that the government will focus its support on these areas, tailoring measures to local conditions to combat the depopulation trend.