Basic Report

This study aims to explore avenues for reforming the local governance system to effectively address the challenges posed by regional population decline and the phenomenon often referred to as “local extinction”.
   Among various potential measures, this study concentrates on the Local Administrative System (LAS), including aspects such as administrative divisions, tiers, and the functions of local autonomous entities. Moreover, this study proposes a development direction for institutional responses that align with future population decline by exploring the utilization of CSALG (Cooperation Systems Among Local/Regional Governments). It explores potential methods to foster cooperation among local autonomous entities (or local/regional government entities) and proposes measures to enhance the system, enabling effective responses to future changes such as population decline.
   First, it presents theoretical discussions on the phenomena of population decline and migration, accompanied by an examination of the impact of regional population decrease on local administration and the institutional factors influencing this phenomenon. Furthermore, this study examines the national policy trends implemented in response to these issues, highlighting the necessity of reforming the Local Administrative System (LAS). It also explores potential avenues for improving this system to effectively address these changes.
   Through an analysis of theoretical and conceptual discussions, along with policy trends, this study explores response strategies for local/regional governments within the context of mitigation and adaptation policies to counter population decline and local extinction. It proposes an analytical framework to guide the research in developing and implementing such strategies.
   The first section of this study focuses on administrative tiers and areas as fundamental elements of the Local Administrative System (LAS). Through analyses of policy trends, literature reviews, and case studies, this research investigates the flow of theoretical discussions regarding administrative system reforms. It also empirically examines how administrative tiers and areas are delineated and how areas are restructured.
   Through these analyses, the study proposes directions for LAS reform and outlines necessary legislative improvements to support these changes effectively.
   The reform of the LAS at metropolitan/provincial level, with a focus on the integration of administrative areas, yielded three primary models: 1) the integration of administrative functions between metropolitan and provincial governments 2) the creation of administrative agencies within these governments, and 3) the establishment of general cities.. At the city/county level, this study proposes restructuring models that involve delegating regional administrative tasks to provincial governments in regions undergoing population decline. Additionally, for areas where integration poses challenges, the study suggests establishing cooperative entities to collaboratively undertake regional planning and management functions. . Additionally, the study explored the reform of autonomous districts within metropolitan governance, discussing options such as maintaining the current status of autonomous districts, transitioning to administrative districts, and considering semi-autonomous district models. The second section addresses the reallocation of functions to respond to population decline and its resulting local extinction. It examines the reallocation of functions as a strategy in response to population decline. This study conducted a survey to explore the scope and direction of functional reallocation aimed at addressing regional population decline and its resulting local extinction. The survey focused on functions within areas affected by population decreases.
   This was based on the analysis of prior research and institutional discussions concerning the functions and affairs of local governments.
   The survey targeted public officials responsible for addressing population decline and local extinction in 89 affected areas, yielding 44 valid responses.
   Based on the survey, the study identified the impact of population decrease on the principal functions of local administration and proposed principles and strategies for the reallocation of these major functions. Areas such as health and welfare, and general administration, were anticipated to experience increased workloads and task difficulty due to population decline, while sectors like industrial economy, culture, tourism, and sports were highlighted for their significant impact on the quality of life for residents.
   The findings underscored the necessity for function reallocation tailored to the specific conditions of local governments, advocating for efficient function performance through both vertical and horizontal governance across different government levels. The third subtopic provides a more detailed discussion on vertical and horizontal governance related to the Local Administrative System (LAS), specifically focusing on utilizing Cooperation Systems among Local/Regional Governments (CSALG) to respond to population decline. Drawing on relevant theories, prior research, and insights from the survey, the study outlines strategies to activate these cooperation systems..
   The key findings and implications from the survey regarding these strategies include: (1) Adaptive and Strategically Driven Cooperation: Local cooperation should be contextually adapted and strategically implemented to ensure accountability, (2) Vertical Cooperation for Population Decline Response: A vertically integrated cooperation system between metropolitan/provincial and city/county levels is deemed necessary for addressing population decline, (3) Cooperation Across Multiple Service Bundles: Cooperation is essential across various service bundles that are related to population decline, (4) Priority Functional Areas for Cooperation: Cooperation should be prioritized in areas such as establishing healthcare infrastructure, improving childcare conditions, and enhancing local economic vitality, (5) Clarity in Cooperation Entities: There is a need for clear identification of cooperation entities, distinguishing between central-regional and regional-local cooperation for mitigation and adaptation policies regarding population decline, respectively, (6) Efficiency through Functional Collaboration: The study suggests pursuing collaboration mechanisms that emphasize functional efficiency over structural efficiency, advocating for administrative agreements for project-specific collaboration.
   The significance of this study lies in proposing a new approach to address the challenges posed by population decline. While Korea’s previous policy responses to these issues were mainly dominated by program-centric fiscal projects, this study distinguishes itself by advocating for improvements to the local decentralization system, tailored to regional needs. It discusses overcoming the rigidity of laws governing the local autonomy system, providing foundational data for strategic changes and securing institutional flexibility aimed at realizing future-oriented decentralization and balanced regional development. This research holds value in laying the groundwork for strategic and institutional shifts necessary for implementing locally tailored decentralization and achieving balanced development, moving beyond the constraints of existing legislation.