SUMMARY |
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SUMMARY
Urban Shrinkage in Korea : Current Status and Policy Implications
Koo Hyeongsu, Kim Taehwan, Lee Syunguk
Urban shrinkage is becoming a universal phenomenon all over the world. Small/medium-sized cities in Korea are also shrinking, but countermeasures against them are still growth-oriented. In this study, we provide a set of right-sizing strategies with the analysis on current status and causes of urban shrinkage in Korea.
The results of this study are as follows: ⑴ shrinking cities are experiencing serious population loss and aging due to outflows of young people and low fertility. ⑵ despite the shrinkage of inner cities, suburban developments are still underway. ⑶ shrinking cities are facing serious financial problems due to the increase of public expenditure as well as the shortage of tax revenue. ⑷ residents in abandoned neighborhoods are in a socially unstable situation and have lower access to public services.
Based on the results, the policy measures proposed in this study are as follows: ⑴ a right-sizing planning system should be instituted to achieve efficient urban structure. ⑵ a shared services system among neighboring
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cities should be instituted to provide adequate public services. ⑶ an integrated vacant properties maintenance system should be instituted to stabilize abandoned neighborhoods. ⑷ a temporarily use system should be instituted to utilize vacant properties for creative/productive purposes.
