Number of households moving to rural areas hits record high in 2021: data
SEOUL, June 23 (Yonhap) -- The number of households that moved from urban areas to farming villages reached an all-time high last year amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and soaring housing prices, data showed Thursday.
The number of such households came to 377,744 in 2021, up 5.6 percent from a year earlier, according to the data compiled by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and Statistics Korea.
It is the highest figure since the government began compiling related data in 2013.
The number of people who relocated to rural areas also rose 4.2 percent on-year to 515,434 last year, marking a second consecutive on-year increase.
The number of those in their 30s and younger, as well as those in their 60s and older, who opted to live in farming villages, grew 5 percent and 16.4 percent on-year, respectively, to lead the overall gain, the data showed.
The ministry said more people appeared to have sought new job opportunities amid the coronavirus pandemic and affordable homes over surging housing prices.
"Changing notions about farming villages and the government's program to support their settlement appear to have helped encourage more young citizens to make such a decision. Many in their 60s also seem to have chosen a country life upon their retirement," the agriculture ministry said in a release.
The number of households moving to fishing towns also jumped 26.5 percent to 1,135 last year.
It is the first time since 2018 that the figure marked an on-year growth.
The number of citizens moving to fishing towns also advanced 25.7 percent to 1,216, the data showed.

Children collect potatoes from a farm in North Jeolla Province on June 21, 2022, during an experience event organized by the Rural Development Administration, in this photo provided by the administration. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)
graceoh@yna.co.kr
(END)
-
(Yonhap Interview) BTS producer encourages anticipation for future messages from group
-
(News Focus) From hip-hop idols to global superstars, BTS shatters records over decade
-
BTS to drop song celebrating 10th anniversary
-
3 EXO members file antitrust complaint against SM Entertainment
-
RM to attend Seoul festival to mark BTS' 10th anniv.
-
(Yonhap Interview) BTS producer encourages anticipation for future messages from group
-
(News Focus) From hip-hop idols to global superstars, BTS shatters records over decade
-
(LEAD) 4 Chinese, 4 Russian military planes enter S. Korea's air defense zone without notice: S. Korean military
-
S. Korean military continues operation to salvage N. Korean rocket debris
-
BTS to drop song celebrating 10th anniversary
-
BTS to drop song celebrating 10th anniversary
-
(LEAD) 14 injured as escalator reverses at Sunae Station in Bundang
-
(Yonhap Interview) UNSC virtually 'paralyzed' in dealing with N.K. provocations; S. Korea to urge China, Russia to play constructive role: FM
-
Chinese ambassador warns against betting against China
-
(LEAD) S. Korea fall to Italy in FIFA U-20 World Cup semifinals