Policy Tasks for the Revitalization of Small and Medium-Sized Provincial Cities in an Era of Declining Population
Park Sehoon (KRIHS research fellow) et al.

Summary
□ (Changing conditions) Small- and medium-sized provincial cities in Korea are facing changing conditions, including low birth rates and aging trends, globalization, population decline and hollowing of inner cities, broadened spatial patterns of daily life, and increased interchange with neighboring regions.

□ (Classification) Korea’s 40 small- and medium-sized provincial cities may be classified into regional growth centers, industrial cities, or small cities according to their population scale, industry structure, and demographic changes.

□ (Functional specialization) Some manufacturing hub cities or cities with advantageous locations have experienced growth, while regional base cities remain stagnant and small cities show continued population decline.

□ (Developmental expansion) In all cases, developed regions have been expanding and linkages with neighboring communities have grown stronger, including increased commuting for work and school purposes.

□ (Stagnant inner cities) Despite their trend of population decline, many small and medium-sized provincial cities have experienced hollowing of their downtown areas due to urban sprawl and the decentralization of key infrastructure.