A Spatial Assessment Framework for Identifying Workation-Suitable Mountain Villages in Depopulation Regions

This study addresses the limited nationwide examination of Mountain Villages as strategic targets for regional revitalization amid rapid depopulation and population aging. Focusing on Mountain Villages located within Depopulation Regions in the Republic of Korea, this study quantitatively assessed workation suitability at the Eup-Myeon-Dong level and identified priority areas and differentiated policy directions. A workation suitability index was calculated using the CRITIC (Criteria Importance Through Intercriteria Correlation) method, and spatial clustering and potential–demand characteristics were examined through LISA (Local Indicators of Spatial Association) and quadrant analysis. The results showed that transportation accessibility indicators, including travel time to expressway interchanges and railway stations, had high information content in differentiating workation suitability among Mountain Villages. Suitability was high in the border areas between Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon State and parts of the central inland region, whereas low suitability was observed in northern Gangwon State and northern Gyeongsangbuk-do. High–High clusters tended to overlap with high-potential and high-demand areas, while Low–Low clusters were mainly associated with low-potential areas. By integrating suitability, spatial clustering, and demand conditions, this study provides an empirical framework for spatial decision-making. The findings suggest that workation policies for Mountain Villages should distinguish priority implementation areas from foundation-building areas according to accessibility, infrastructure, and demand levels.