POPULATION EXTINCTION STATUS OF ABANDONED MINE TOWN AND RESPONSE STRATEGIES THROUGH TOURISM: THE CASE OF DOGYE-EUP TOWN, KOREA

Abstract

The Dogye-eup area is an abandoned mine area in Samcheok City and is experiencing a rapid population decline. The maximum population of this town in the 1970s was approximately 49,000, and the actual resident population was estimated at around 60,000. However, the population of this town as of 2024 is approximately 9,060. The population extinction index of this city is 0.32, putting it at risk of extinction. Accordingly, public and private organizations in Dogye-eup are making efforts to increase the visiting population in order to revive the local livelihood. Dogye-eup is making efforts to attract visitors through local festivals in order to maintain local identity and enhance the local economy. Paid tourist attractions in the Dogye-eup area showed the highest number of visitors in that order: Chuchu Park Theme Park, Black Valley Country Club Golf Course, Glass Nara Theme Park, and Namu Nara Theme Park. Visits to these parks are mainly seasonal, especially in some months such as March, August, and October. Public and private organizations in Dogye-eup are making efforts to attract tourists in response to population decline. In addition, efforts are being made to create local governance regarding local symbolism and identity in order to expand the festival's audience. This is valuable as a regional recovery strategy through tourism due to the decrease in local population. Attracting tourists due to the population decline in Dogye-eup causes local economic effects and helps maintain the survival of the region.