Analysis on Determinants between Safety and Characteristics by cluster in Population Declining Areas: Targeted 11 Cities and Counties in Gyeongnam

Korea is experiencing rapid changes in population structure due to the lowest fertility rate and high ageing rate. To understand the problems of depopulated areas, it is necessary to focus on regional difference in residential environment and identify their characteristics. This study derived affecting factors that can determine regional difference for 11 cities and counties in Gyeongnam and categorized regions according the population decline index, which was the basis for the designation of population decline areas. Then, the differences were categorized by cluster analysis. The cluster analysis yielded four clusters: Cluster 1(3 areas), Cluster 2(3 areas), Cluster 3(2 areas) and Cluster 4(3 areas). Finally to analyze factors affcting urban safety, regression analysis was performed. As a result of regression analysis, it was found that population size and industrial factors suppressed regional decline and had a positive effect on regional safety. And the ratio of vacant houses and old housing could have a negative effect on regional safety and deepen regional decline. Therefore, it is needed to come up with measures to improve social safety and prevent local extinction. To realize that, this study suggests the necessity to create a safe city by curbing local extinction concentrated in non-metropolitan areas and improve urban safety in them, modernizing and maintaining empty or old houses, actualize urban regeneration in consideration of economic aspects.