Jobs and new housing fuel local “upward-trending cities” as population inflows gather pace

[Financial News] Despite concerns over population decline in regional areas, some regional hub cities with high-tech industrial bases, quality jobs and comfortable residential infrastructure are standing out with steady population inflows and distinctive growth.
According to resident registration population statistics from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, the populations of major regional cities traced a steep upward curve over the roughly three years from September 2023 to September 2026, the data showed on the 8th.
The most notable is Asan in South Chungcheong Province. Over this period, the city’s population grew from 340,566 to 366,594, an increase of 26,028—the largest among regional cities. The development of large-scale high-tech industrial complexes, including Asan Display City and Smart Valley, has actively drawn in young people and workers. Neighboring Cheonan also maintained solid growth, adding about 9,100 people.
The gains in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, and Wonju, Gangwon Province, were also notable. Cheongju added about 80,900 people over the same period and is on track to reach a population of 900,000 by the end of 2028, while Wonju’s population grew by about 4,300 through proactive efforts to attract businesses. Industry experts point to the virtuous cycle of sustainable jobs and new residential infrastructure as a factor common to these cities.
As population inflows strengthen living conditions in these major regional growth cities, the continued supply of large-scale branded developments is drawing homebuyers’ attention.
First, IPARK Hyundai Development Company plans to launch sales this month for “Cheongju Gagyeong IPARK Complexes 7 and 8” in Gagyeong-dong, Heungdeok District, Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province. The complex will comprise 1,671 households, with exclusive-use areas of 84–116 square meters. Once it is added, a large IPARK-branded community of about 6,300 households will be completed around Gagyeong-dong.
Hanseong Construction plans to unveil “Cheonan-Asan Station Grand City Feelhouse Block 1” (exclusive-use areas of 84 and 103 square meters, 1,534 households in total) in the Hyudae District of Baebang-eup, Asan, South Chungcheong Province. POSCO E&C is also preparing to launch sales of “THE SHARP Cheonan Lac Won,” a 1,290-household development in the Buseong 2 Urban Development District in Cheonan, South Chungcheong Province. The project is drawing expectations thanks to the extensive amenities in the Seongseong area and the prospect of a new Buseong Station on Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 1.

[email protected] Jeon Min-gyeong Reporter