제주 녹색농촌체험마을 사업지역의 주민참여 의식에 관한 연구

Abstract

Rural areas in Korea rapidly declined after industrialization in the 1960s. The population and productivity have decreased, and rural areas in Korea have faced threats to survival due to the free trade agreements (FTAs) with Europe and the United States. Thus, a new solution is required for rural areas in Korea now. Since 2002, the Korean government has attempted to revitalize rural areas through the 'Green Village' Project by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the 'Rural Traditional Theme Village' Project' by the Rural Development Administration. Thus far, they have been actively continued. In particular, the Green Village Project has chosen 727 villages nationwide and attracted 8.5 million tourists. 'Jeoji-ri' and 'Cheongsu-ri', in Jeju Special Self-Governing Province were selected as a green village in 2006 and 2007 and then have actively continued the project. Thus, this study selected both villages as a sample area and analyzed and compared the awareness of 'Green Village' in the two villages. The objectives of this study were to examine the effect of the perception gap among local residents on rural tourism development and to find a method to activate participation of local residents in rural tourism development. This study compared the local residents' awareness of 'Green Village' in 'Jeoji-ri' and 'Cheongsu-ri', Hangyeong-myeon in Jeju Province which was chosen as a case study area. The following results were obtained: First, there were differences between local residents in expectation. In expectation of the Green Village project, 54% and 44% of the local residents in 'Jeoji-ri' and 'Cheongsu-ri' responded that economically and culturally developed. However, there was no significant difference in the awareness level, participation level in the meeting, awareness of activation plan, and participation and role in the projects. Second, 'Jeoji-ri' and 'Cheongsu-ri' had 12,670 and 4,469 and visitors a year (as of 2013), and visitors to Jeoji-ri was three times as many as those to Cheongsu-ri. It is considered that this was not because of perception differences between local residents but because of external factors such as village resources and experience programs. Third, with regard to the question about the activation plan for citizen participation in the Green Village Project, the respondents in Cheongsu-ri evenly showed various opinions such as developing an appreciation for rural tourism by touring advanced rural areas (44%), receiving education of overall rural tourism marketing (13%) and receiving active government support (30%). In other words, it will be possible to achieve activation of the Green Village Project only if government support is in harmony with the education and tour for local residents.