식품사막의 다차원 분석과 유형별 해소방안: 공간분석과 사례조사의 혼합접근

Understanding Food Deserts through a Multi-Dimensional Lens: Type-Specific Solutions Based on Spatial and Case Study Analyses

(Purpose) This study aims to provide a more nuanced understanding of food deserts by moving beyond simplistic rural-urban or distance-based paradigms. Focusing on Jeonbuk-State(Province), Korea, it identifies multiple subtypes of food deserts within a single provincial setting and proposes tailored policy interventions for each subtype. (Design/methodology/approach) A spatial analysis using Local Indicators of Spatial Association (LISA) was conducted on 243 administrative units to map food retail density alongside socio-demographic indicators. Based on the results, four representative localities—Jinan, Jeongeup, Imsil, and Gochang—were selected as case study sites. In each site, in-depth interviews were conducted with local residents (particularly older adults and those without access to private transportation) as well as small-scale shop owners. By integrating quantitative spatial data with qualitative insights from fieldwork, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of each food desert subtype. (Findings) The analysis revealed three distinct types of food deserts. First, Absolute Shortage (LL) areas, such as Jinan, suffer from a lack of retail infrastructure, forcing residents to travel long distances for basic groceries. Second, Urban Fringe (HL) areas, represented by Jeongeup, exhibit sharp disparities between well-serviced city centers and underserved peripheries, exacerbated by limited public transportation. Third, County Seat-Peripheral Disparity (LH) areas, such as Imsil and Gochang, show significant gaps between relatively well-served county seats and surrounding rural villages. Despite differing local contexts, all subtypes face shared challenges, including aging populations, low commercial viability, and insufficient transport services. (Research implications or Originality) By highlighting the heterogeneity of food desert conditions within a single provincial region, this study emphasizes the need for type-specific policy approaches. Recommendations include mobile food markets or publicly operated shops for Absolute Shortage areas, transportation and delivery solutions for Urban Fringe zones, and leveraging county-seat retail hubs to support County Seat-Peripheral Disparity communities. The study contributes to the broader literature by integrating spatial statistics with qualitative case analysis, offering actionable insights for policy design and governance strategies targeting rural and semi-urban development.