Recent analysis from the Jeollabuk-do Research Institute reveals a startling forecast: the youth population in the region is projected to decline by nearly 50% by 2050. This alarming trend necessitates a critical examination of whether local job opportunities, income levels, housing, and overall living conditions are genuinely conducive to retaining young residents. The report, titled “Statistics on the Lives of Youth in Jeollabuk-do,” utilizes various administrative and survey statistics to provide an objective assessment of the current state of youth in the region.

Gyeongnam’s youth employment rate has seen a remarkable increase, reaching 39.0% in the third quarter of this year, while the national average has declined. This positive trend highlights the effectiveness of tailored employment policies aimed at supporting young individuals through various stages of their educational and professional journeys. The region’s youth unemployment rate has also significantly improved, dropping from 7.9% in the first quarter to 4.2% in the third quarter, marking the second-lowest rate among South Korea’s 17 provinces.