The article, authored by Professor Kim Jeong-seok of Dongguk University, explores the phenomenon of 'living population' in Gurye-gun, South Korea, where the registered population is significantly lower than the number of individuals who actually inhabit the area during peak tourist seasons. It highlights the discrepancy between recorded and actual population figures, especially during events or seasonal visits that increase the local population temporarily, such as flower viewing seasons. The traditional method of counting only registered residents becomes questionable as it does not account for transient populations who contribute to the economy and culture of the region.

Furthermore, the discussion delves into the implications of recognizing living populations for local government finance and resource allocation. The author notes that existing fiscal structures are predicated on registered population figures, which can lead to reduced funding for essential services as these numbers dwindle. However, the influx of visitors for various activities often counteracts these declines, suggesting that local governments should include transient populations in their budgeting and planning processes. There is an ongoing push from some local authorities to incorporate this living population metric into financial calculations for public services and infrastructure development.

The article concludes by examining potential measures being introduced to support this new understanding of population dynamics. Recent discussions include the proposal to incorporate living population metrics into the design of public facilities and the financial aid structure from the government. This shift acknowledges the reality that the vitality of local economies hinges not solely on residents but on a broader community that includes visitors and temporary inhabitants, purporting a more nuanced approach to understanding local demographics amidst challenges of regional depopulation.