Research Reports
A Study on Policy Directions and Measures for Rural Central Places in Consideration of Transformation in National Spatial Structure
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AuthorSeong, Jooin
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Publication Date2008.11.01
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Original
Today's rural areas, especially rural central places are in decline in terms of changing national spatial structure, and therefore are in the need for special policies for revitalization. The purpose of this study is to suggest policy directions and measures for regeneration of rural central places based on the examination in the actual condition of rural central places and their hinterland areas. For this, various analyses on the tramsformation in national spatial structure and rural areas are preceded. Surveys and field research for understanding of present rural situation are performed as well.
In chapter 2, We confirmed the perspective and direction of this study consulting the implications drawn from the existing studies which worked on the analyses of national spatial structure, the analyses of rural spatial structure, and the suggestions of policy directoins and measures in fostering rural central places.
In chapter 3, the changing trends of national spatial structure and present conditions of rural areas are analyzed. To make diagnoses, we look into the spatial structure with the use of datum concerning population mobilities, business?study trip, economic activities, and so forth. And as a preceding step for the case studies, four-category classification of rural areas is made according to the characteristics of rural central places.
In chapter 4, given conditions of rural central places are carefully examined. We selected 4 municipal areas(shi or gun) for case study and performed investigations and surveys to find out the condition of basic service provision. Interviews and surveys which questioned rural residents and local government officials about conditions of availability and accessibility to basic services and desirable directions of future policy.
In chapter 5, we drew several problems and issues concerning regeneration of rural central places which should be discussed later, by addressing current national policies and new attempts both at central and local level. We also reviewed foreign policy conditions relevant to revitalization of rural central places, such as those of Japan, France and England.
In chapter 6, policy directions are settled and some measures for regeneration of rural central places are proposed by the synthesis of case studies, results of surveys and implications from relating present policies inside and outside the country. In this process, policy directions are drawn in consideration of 4 rural categories and 4 case study areas.
The suggested policy directions are as follows: For central government, first, it is necessary to supply a guiding principle to local governments in order to make regeneration plans of the regions. Secondly, central government is required to develop a menu of connected programs with governmental support. Thirdly, it is essential to establish a minimum service standard in respect of living conditions in rural areas.
For local governments and local civic groups, first, setting up comprehensive local plans including development plans of rural central places is important. Secondly, effective pursuing framework of various development programs should be constructed. Thirdly, it is needed to closely connect the programs for regeneration of rural central places and other development programs with individual purposes. Fourthly, it is important to utilize existing facilities to provide basic services in rural areas. Fifthly, introducing rural leisure programs in connection with central facilities of the area can be considered. Sixthly, programs for social employment can be developed in linkage with the management of central facilities of the area. Seventhly, rural central places can be developed further so that the center can be a strongpoint for urban-rural interchange. Eighthly, alternatives to transportation method at community dimension are strongly demanded in terms of basic service accessibility.
Lastly in chapter 7, we summarized the study by chapters and stressed that regeneration of rural central places is not only the issues of central places alone, and therefore solutions should be searched in consideration of the linkage between rural central places and their hinterland villages.
Researchers: Seong Joo-In, Lee Dong-Phil, and Kwon In-Hye
E-mail address: jiseong@krei.re.kr
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