S. Korean county, fearing extinction, looks to attract Myanmar refugees

Yeongyang has the lowest population among districts in South Korea, excluding islands.PHOTO: YEONGYANG COUNTY/FACEBOOK via The Korea Herald/Asia News Network

SEOUL – Yeongyang county in South Korea’s North Gyeongsang province is seeking to attract about 40 Myanmar refugees to live in the community as its population continues to decline, officials said last week.

The county government is in discussions with the Justice Ministry on whether refugees under United Nations protection could settle in Yeongyang. It is also reviewing various options for their living arrangements such as converting closed schools into housing. Officials expect the plan to yield results as early as 2025.

“If there is any way to prevent population decline, we are considering all possibilities, including attracting refugees,” an official said. “We are doing our best to ensure the region does not disappear.”

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Yeongyang has the lowest population among districts in South Korea, excluding islands.

Almost 20 years ago, in January 2006, its population dropped below 20,000, totaling 19,989. By February 2025, the number had further declined to 15,271. If the trend continues, the population is expected to fall below 15,000 by late 2025.

In recent years, the county government has taken steps to curb the decline, including encouraging officials to register their families and relatives as Yeongyang residents. It has also offered up to 100 million won ($91,850) in childbirth incentives.

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Despite these efforts, only about 25 babies are born in the county each year, while roughly 300 people die. Two decades ago, the county recorded around 100 births and 200 deaths annually.