Policies for the Settlement and Social Activities of Women Turning to Farming and Rural Areas

As a growing number of people turn to farming or to residence in farm villages, the phenomenon is drawing considerable social and policy attention. However, as only a fraction of this attention has been focused on the women involved, their actual status, the difficulties they face and their policy-related demands have yet to have been identified. Through in-depth interviews, this study analyzed the reasons why such women are turning to farming or to farm villages, as well as their identity, the education of their children, their economic activities and the formation of relationships with fellow villagers. The interviews were carried out with 15 women who had moved to farm villages in Jinan-gun and 15 women living around the country, including in Seocheon and Hongcheon. In order for these women who have turned to farming or to farm villages to successfully settle in these villages and contribute to their rural communities, additional opportunities should be provided for them to demonstrate their capabilities and talents. In addition, the culture of the rural communities needs to evolve to allow women to make their voices heard.