"Maginot Line Broken"... Jeonju Plunges Into Emergency as Population Drops Below 620,000

As the population decline in Jeonju, North Jeolla Province, continues, the population has fallen below the 620,000 threshold, which had been considered a critical line.

According to the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's resident registration population statistics, Jeonju's registered population stood at 619,849 as of the end of last month.

This is a decrease of 1,025 people compared to June.

So far this year, Jeonju's population has decreased every month, starting at 624,241 in January, 623,433 in February, 622,915 in March, 622,242 in April, 621,760 in May, and 620,874 in June, leading up to last month.

A total of 4,392 people have left over the span of just seven months. Notably, last month saw the largest drop, with the population decreasing by over 1,000 in a single month.

Jeonju's population has been on a downward trajectory every year since peaking at 657,432 in 2020.

Looking at the figures by year, the population dropped to 657,269 in 2021, 651,495 in 2022, 642,727 in 2023, 635,651 in 2024, and 625,437 in 2025.

The main causes behind the sharp population decline are cited as falling birth rates, an increase in the number of deaths, and the exodus of young adults aged 20 to 39 to the Seoul metropolitan area and neighboring regions such as Wanju County.

Jeonju is stepping up comprehensive response measures, which include improving housing and cultural conditions, expanding jobs, increasing support for public housing for young people and newlyweds, providing interest subsidies on Jeonse (lump-sum housing deposit) loans for newlyweds, and strengthening senior job programs.

An official from Jeonju stated that the collapse of the 620,000-population mark serves as a strong warning that an urgent structural overhaul of the city's overall functions is needed. The official added that the city will swiftly implement tailored policies for each life stage and create quality jobs where young people can settle down, thereby halting the downward population trend.

(Photo: Yonhap News)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.