HOW MIGRANTS FROM CITIES BECOME POTENTIAL INNOVATORS IN KOREAN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Since 2010 there were more migrants from urban center to rural area due to the increase of retirees population and willingness to seek alternative lifestyles to a neo-liberal society. By this migrants movement, rural policy makers expected and considered as a new source of labor to supplement the farming industry and to vitalize social activities in rural society, and to provide organizational ability to systemize rural projects in order to cope with a changing environment. However, it is not quite clear how these migrants may bring about changes in farming and in local communities. This paper will discuss the conditions and potentiality of these migrants in relation to farming projects. The paper argued that most migrants were well-educated, innovators for new farming practices, market oriented, tend to engage in health food production, and emphasize on eco-farming or environmentally friendly farming. As newcomers they have limitations in regards to farming technology, knowledge, physical power and land holdings. In regards to eco-friendly farming, they seem to be influenced more by NGOs and governmental support for organic farming. The migrants who do not farm mostly involved in village projects during the course of implementation. It was concluded that the migrants were very valuable assets to rural community and play a crucial role in putting together various interest groups in villages and establishing income-generating projects so that villagers can start being optimistic about their future.