Busan's Yeongdo-gu, historically a shipbuilding hub, now faces a decline with a significant number of empty houses and a dwindling population. The area once thrived with shipyards and maritime industry, earning it the title of the shipbuilding mecca. However, the population has decreased by half in 30 years, leading to a rise in abandoned houses.
The story follows Mr. Kang Jeong-hwan, a disabled former tuna fishing boat engineer, who lives in a deteriorating and dangerous house due to financial constraints. The issue of vacant homes in Busan is attributed to factors like an aging population, youth migration, and insufficient job and education opportunities. The local economy has suffered, impacting tax revenues and government subsidies.
The problem of empty homes is not unique to Busan and extends to various regions in South Korea, with consequences that could worsen over time if not addressed.
Sure, here are the key facts extracted from the provided text:
1. Busan's Yeongdo-gu was a significant maritime city during the Japanese colonial era.
2. It was a shipbuilding hub known as the mecca of the shipbuilding industry.
3. Currently, only a few factories maintain the shipbuilding reputation in Yeongdo-gu.
4. Yeongdo-gu has experienced a significant population decrease over the past 30 years.
5. The area has seen a five-fold increase in empty houses over the past 20 years.
6. Aging population and young people delocalization contribute to the rise in empty houses.
7. The decline in local industries leads to economic challenges and a poorer residential environment.
8. The high cost and complexities involved make it difficult to address the empty house issue.
9. An individual named Kang Jeong-hwan is living alone in a crumbling house, facing difficult living conditions.
10. The local government faces financial challenges due to reduced tax revenues and government subsidies.
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