An Empirical Analysis of the Relationship between Population Aging and Medical Spatial Imbalance

Ning Xue; Jeong-Won Lee; Ji-Eun Seo

doi:10.6107/JKHA.2026.37.4.101

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2026 Vol.37, Issue 4 Preview Page Next Page

Research Article

An Empirical Analysis of the Relationship between Population Aging and Medical Spatial Imbalance 인구 고령화와 의료공간 불균형의 관계에 대한 실증 분석 연구

25 August 2026. pp. 101-108

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Abstract

This study examines changes in medical spatial imbalance across 17 metropolitan cities and provinces in South Korea from 2015 to 2024 and investigates its relationship with population aging. Medical spatial imbalance was measured using the Structural Variation Coefficient (SVC), and the analysis combined σ-dispersion, fixed-effects panel regression, first-difference models, and time-series comparisons of representative regions. The results reveal four major findings. First, regional aging trajectories differed according to settlement characteristics, including stagnating (Sejong), slow-growth (Jeonnam), moderate-growth (Ulsan, Busan), and rapid-growth (Daegu) patterns. Second, although the coefficient of variation of SVC declined over the study period, indicating limited σ-convergence, the average SVC increased slightly, suggesting that regional disparities narrowed while overall medical spatial imbalance persisted. Third, neither the level nor the rate of change in population aging had a statistically significant effect on medical spatial imbalance. This finding implies that the allocation of medical resources has not responded sufficiently to rapidly changing demographic demand and remains largely constrained by existing infrastructure. Finally, comparisons of representative regions showed that differences in medical spatial imbalance are closely associated with urban development, settlement structure, and regional spatial characteristics rather than population aging alone. These findings suggest that medical spatial imbalance cannot be explained solely by population aging and highlight the need for region-specific medical resource allocation strategies that reflect local spatial characteristics and healthcare demand.

Keywords

Population Aging

Medical Spatial Imbalance

Structural Variation Coefficient

South Korea

키워드

인구 고령화

의료공간 불균형

구조변이계수

한국

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Information

Publisher :The Korean Housing Association
Publisher(Ko) :한국주거학회
Journal Title :Journal of the Korean Housing Association
Journal Title(Ko) :한국주거학회논문집
Volume : 37
No :4
Pages :101-108
Received Date : 2026-06-30
Revised Date : 2026-07-16
Accepted Date : 2026-07-24
DOI :https://doi.org/10.6107/JKHA.2026.37.4.101

Journal of the Korean Housing Association ISSN:2234-3571(Print) 2234-2257(Online) 한국주거학회논문집

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