Find population-decline areas and prepare for your job search!

If you are a foreign national preparing to work in Korea—or a company considering hiring foreign talent—there is one key term you should know: population-decline areas.

To revitalize areas with shrinking populations, the Korean government provides various benefits to foreign nationals working there and local companies, including regional specialized visas (F-2-R, E-7-4R, F-4-R), special employment provisions, and subsidies. Even under the same conditions, your opportunities can vary greatly depending on where you work.

So, which places are population-decline areas? This article provides an at-a-glance list of the 89 population-decline areas and 18 areas of concern designated by the government.

🎯 Population-Decline Areas vs. Areas of Concern

Simply put, a population-decline area is a place where the population has already fallen substantially, while an area of concern is a place being managed early because its population is declining.

🗺️ 89 Population-Decline Areas at a Glance

A total of 89 areas across 11 provinces and metropolitan cities have been designated. They are concentrated more heavily in Gangwon, Chungcheong, Jeolla, and Gyeongsang than in the capital region.

Population-decline areas also exist within major cities, including Dong-gu, Seo-gu, and Yeongdo-gu in Busan, and Nam-gu and Seo-gu in Daegu. This means residents can retain access to a major urban area while receiving relevant benefits.

Source: Ministry of the Interior and Safety press release (2025.11.28)

📍 18 Areas of Concern at a Glance

These areas are showing warning signs of population decline. Mid-sized tourist cities such as Gangneung, Sokcho, Gyeongju, and Tongyeong stand out. Many have well-developed living infrastructure. Urban districts in metropolitan cities are also included, such as Daedeok-gu, Dong-gu, and Jung-gu in Daejeon, and Dong-gu in Gwangju.