Contemporary Problems and Directions for Development of Rural Welfare

농촌 복지의 문제와 발전방안

The purpose of this study were to review the current problems of rural welfare and to suggest desirable direction for development of welfare in rural Korea. Specific objectives of the study were to investigate the current status and problems of rural welfare and to search for the desirable directions for rural welfare development in Korea. The major findings of the study were as follows ; 1. Some of the current problems of rural welfare were; (1) difficulty in getting a job for stable income, (2) seriousness of medical care and aging of rural population, (3) decrease in number of rural school children and unfavorable educational environment, and (4) insufficiency in facility, manpower and program for recreation and cultural activities in rural area. 2. Problems of rural welfare were not independent in rural Korea, but the most of the problems were interrelated to each other. Integrated and comprehensive approach would be necessary to solve the problems of rural welfare. 3. Clean environment, stable and rewarding life, pride and self esteem of rural occupation should be the goals of better integrated rural welfare development, and healthfulness and quality of life should be ensured in rural society. 4. Urban oriented national policy based on urban centered political power was one of the causes of under development in rural welfare by creating rapid decrease in rural population and aging. Various problems in economic, educational, cultural and medical aspects of rural society should be solved. Further research on rural welfare should be conducted to increase and to strengthen rural welfare development in Korea.