South Korea, a nation renowned for its dynamic cities and rich cultural heritage, is also grappling with a significant demographic challenge: the decline of populations in its rural and less-developed regions. This phenomenon, characterized by decreasing birth rates and the migration of younger generations to urban centers, poses a serious threat to the economic vitality and long-term sustainability of these areas.

The resulting economic loss necessitates proactive strategies focused on bolstering regional economies. In response to this pressing issue, the Korea Tourism Organization has conducted a groundbreaking study that proposes an innovative solution centered on leveraging tourism and understanding a new demographic: the "tourism-living population".

 

1. 🧳 Characteristics of the Tourist Population

The "tourist population" refers to individuals who visit a region and stay for a certain period. According to the study, even in population-declining areas, tourist visit patterns vary, and their length of stay and spending habits determine different tourism characteristics.

The concept of "tourism-living population" builds upon the idea of the "living population," which includes not only registered residents but also individuals who frequently visit a region for various purposes. The study defines "tourism-living population" as visitors with a primary purpose of tourism, who embark on regular visits and stay a minimum of 3 hours per visit.

 

2. 🏧 Tourism Spending Patterns and Regional Dif