Return-to-farming and fishing households increase for the first time in four years; more start farming after two years of rural settlement

After a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of households returning to farming and fishing in South Korea has seen a modest increase for the first time in four years. Data released by the National Statistical Office shows that in the past year, 8,735 households returned to farming, a 6.0% increase from the previous year. This marks a reversal after a 14.9% rise in 2021, followed by three years of decline.

The demographic profile of these returning farmers shows a significant portion are in their 50s and 60s, accounting for 66.4% of household heads, with an average age of 55.8. Similarly, fishing households also increased by 5.6% to 586, with the average age of household heads being 52.8. This trend follows a pattern where an increase was observed in 2021, attributed to job seekers moving to rural areas during the pandemic, followed by a decrease as people returned to cities post-pandemic.

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The growth rate was high during the COVID-19 period, and after a subsequent decrease, the downward trend was somewhat broken last year.

Meanwhile, the overall trend of rural migration saw a slight decrease of 0.5% last year, with 316,977 households moving to rural areas. The average age of those migrating to rural areas was 45.8, with a notable presence of individuals in their 20s and 30s. A significant shift in behavior is also evident: 69.9% of those who moved to rural areas within the last five years began farming two or more years after their relocation, an increase from 63.4% previously. This suggests a more informed and gradual entry into agriculture, with individuals taking time to gather information before starting farming activities.

Officials note that the increase in farming and fishing households, while small, indicates a potential stabilization after the pandemic-induced fluctuations. The trend of delaying agricultural work suggests a more strategic approach to rural settlement, moving away from immediate engagement towards a more informed transition.

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In the past, people were more likely to start farming in the same year they moved to a rural area, but now it seems they start farming after gathering information for one to two years after moving.