A Study on Classifications and Characteristics of Declined Rural Area in Chungcheong Region

The study aims to identify the degree and types of spatial decline in Eup/Myun units within Chungcheong region in South Korea to contribute to the efforts being made to diagnose the rural decline and the potentials. To this end, we analyzed 27 Sis and Guns to identify the degree of decline and potentials of rural areas in Chungcheong region. We also carried out the diagnosis and K-Means Clustering on 274 Eups and Myuns, the smallest administrative units, to figure out the types and characteristics of the rural recessions. According to the results of the clustering analysis carried out on the 166 Eups and Myuns, there were five outstanding clusters. They were; areas with housing deterioration (29), areas with poor economic foundation (16), areas with poor accessibility to central areas (42), areas with poor residential environment (51) and areas with aged population (28). The findings and results of the present study are likely to serve as a basis for the design and enforcement of forthcoming rural area activation policies. Also, it would be highly recommended that a more comprehensive diagnosis is taken from a community-level perspective and policy suggestions and strategies tailored for rural communities are further discussed.