Composed of over 100 islands, Incheon's Ongjin-gun has seen its population decline for 18 consecutive months, raising questions about whether a turnaround is possible next year.

Ongjin-gun anticipates that several upcoming initiatives will influence this demographic trend, including the selection results for a pilot basic income program for rural and fishing villages, revisions to Incheon's coastal ferry fare support system, and designation as an education innovation leading region.

According to Ongjin-gun on the 14th, the county's registered resident population stood at 19,248 at the end of last month, a decrease of 10 from the previous month.

After peaking at 19,820 in April of last year, the population has decreased for 18 straight months starting in May of that year.

The county's population, which stood at 20,613 at the end of 2022, fell below the 20,000 threshold by the end of 2024 (19,996) and further dropped to 19,636 by the end of last year.

Although Ongjin-gun—redesignated as a population-declining region last month following a previous designation in 2021—has been working to improve settlement conditions using administrative and financial support, it has yet to halt the downward trend.

Amid these challenges, the county hopes that selection for the rural basic income pilot program, with results set to be announced on the 19th, will serve as a springboard for a population rebound.

This program provides 150,000 won per month in local currency to residents of rural and fishing areas experiencing aging and population decline.

Previously, Ongjin-gun applied with eligibility restricted to residents under 49 due to budget concerns, but was rejected. This time, the county has applied on behalf of all residents.

Ongjin-gun also expects that revisions to Incheon City’s "I Sea Pass" policy—which allows Incheon citizens to use ferries at public transit rates of 1,500 won—will influence people moving into the area.

Under the revised policy, while the basic fare will remain at 1,500 won starting next year, Incheon citizens will have to pay additional fuel surcharges and terminal fees. For instance, on the Incheon-Baengnyeongdo route, if the current highest-tier fuel surcharge remains in place, the cost could exceed ten times the previous rate.

However, Ongjin-gun residents will continue to receive the 1,500-won benefit regardless of these revisions.

The county believes that the difference in actual ferry fares paid could lead to an increase in moves, such as by workers dispatched to the islands.

Improvements to educational conditions are also cited as a factor that could attract new residents.

Recently designated as Incheon's only education innovation leading region, Ongjin-gun will receive up to 2 billion won annually in financial support for the next five years.

Ongjin-gun and the Incheon Metropolitan City Office of Education plan to implement measures such as "Ongjin-style blended education," which links pre-learning during semesters with field projects conducted by universities and specialized institutions during school breaks.

Furthermore, to respond to population decline and regional extinction, Ongjin-gun is running a population policy idea contest through the 30th.

The contest covers four categories: "People-centered life-cycle settlement support," "Establishment of region-tailored living service infrastructure," "Building an island stay and relationship-based population transition system," and "Creation of regional vitality cooperation execution bases."

An official from Ongjin-gun stated, "Recently, the rate of population decline has narrowed, and we believe there are many factors for a rebound next year. In addition, we have applied for the regional extinction response fund to promote youth support and life-cycle policies."

[ⓒ Global Economic Times. 무단전재-재배포 금지]