Local Autonomy and the Saemaul Movement

Purpose: Given that the core of the Saemaul Movement is a conscious movement based on the local community, it can be said that local autonomy also solves their own problems through governance (cooperation or cooperation) through the spirit of independence that handles local affairs by itself based on the local community. Therefore, this study examines the relationship between local autonomy and Saemaul Movement and examines practical measures to realize Saemaul Movement in local autonomy. Method: For this study, a study was conducted using a literature research method based on secondary data such as academic papers, public institution reports, thesis, and government statistics related to this study. As a qualitative research method, such literature research is appropriate as an exploratory study to understand the relationship between local autonomy and Saemaul Movement. Results: Saemaul Movement selection of projects by democratic procedures by consensus of residents at the village-level general meeting is a factor of residents’ autonomy, and the fact that it has been implemented at the village level, the basic unit of residents’ life, triggering residents' participation and establishing a governance system have something in common in that residents, local governments, and regions, which are basic elements of local autonomy, have a governance system. Conclusion: As an action plan for the Saemaul Movement in local autonomy, first, local government promotion units can be carried out by towns and villages, efficiently promoting local governments. Second, referring to the success of the Saemaul Movement in terms of decentralization of local autonomy, it can be applied to local autonomy by focusing on forming a community of residents by participating in residents, increasing income for village and individual independence, and fostering independent villages.