Balanced Regional Growth and Resilience Cluster
Research Title
A Study on Balanced Growth Strategies to Address Regional Disparities
Research Topic
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1. Policy Direction and Objectives
The Regional Balanced Growth Cluster aims to comprehensively diagnose the structural crisis of regional disparities and to propose mid- to long-term policy directions along with actionable short-term policy measures in response.
2. Key Research Areas
This cluster conducts research in three core areas to address regional disparities and population decline: (1) settlement systems and spatial structures, (2) housing markets and the environment, and (3) local communities and quality of life.
In the area of settlement systems and spatial structures, the research seeks to transform the current capital-region-centered spatial structure into a polycentric system based on the “5 Mega-Regions and 3 Core Regions” initiative. It explores the functional restructuring of metropolitan and small-to-medium-sized cities outside the capital region and aims to strengthen intercity linkages.
In the housing market and environment area, the research proposes housing policy directions that reflect regional demographic and industrial conditions. It also develops region-specific housing and environmental strategies to respond to climate change and regional depopulation.
In the local communities and quality of life area, the research focuses on restructuring public service delivery systems and care frameworks amid population decline and aging. It seeks to develop sustainable quality-of-life policies that encompass children, youth, and the elderly.
3. Expected Outcomes
The research outcomes are expected to enhance the effectiveness of the national balanced growth strategy and key government policy agendas. By supporting policy design and implementation tailored to regional conditions, the project will contribute to alleviating regional disparities and strengthening resilience through practical balanced growth strategies.
Director
Euijune Kim Professor (Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Development, SNU)
- - Ph.D. in Regional Science, Cornell University, US
- - Professor, Seoul National University (2005–present)
Researcher
Participating Researcher
Kyungmin Kim
Associate Professor
College of Human Ecology, SNU Department of Child Development and Family Studies
Research Field :
Adult development and aging, Family gerontology, Family relationships and health in mid- to late adulthood, Elder care and support in later life, and Dementia and Family caregiving
Events
Elderly Care in Depopulating Areas
- Date : 2026-03-19
- Host : Balanced Regional Growth and Resilience Cluster
Seminar on Adolescents and Young Adults in Population-Declining Areas
- Date : 2026-02-12
- Location : Choi Byung-oh Hall (B102), Building 222, College of Human Ecology, Seoul National University
- Host : Balanced Regional Growth and Resilience Cluster
