비수도권 지역특성이 지역발전에 미치는 영향:외국인 근로자 유입의 조절 및 매개효과를 중심으로

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the impact of inflows of foreign workers on the development of non-metropolitan regions. Declining birth rates and an ageing population have led to a fall in the economically active population, resulting in labour shortages in these areas. In such circumstances, regional production and consumption activities are likely to contract, reducing vitality and potentially leading to a regional crisis. In response to this challenge, the government has introduced a new population framework and is actively promoting foreign labour policies. This study examines the current status and spatial distribution of foreign workers, analysing the direct and indirect effects of non-metropolitan characteristics on regional development and foreign worker inflows. The findings suggest that the spatial distribution of foreign workers in non-metropolitan areas depends on the type of stay and is influenced by job opportunities and socio-cultural settlement environments. Furthermore, the characteristics of non-metropolitan regions directly affect regional development and indirectly affect it through foreign worker inflows. These results suggest an interdependent relationship between population dynamics, industry, settlement environments and policy frameworks, all of which contribute positively to regional development. Based on these results, we propose the following policy implications: securing spatial diversity in the implementation of foreign workforce policies; introducing policies tailored to regional characteristics; and establishing ongoing management measures to support stable settlement.