Why Would a Town Welcome a Prison? Yeongdeok's 80.8% Survey Result

The town did not ask about a new factory or resort, but a correctional facility. The unexpectedly high support rate invites a bigger question: what counts as an economic lifeline in a shrinking rural community?

A survey of 931 voting-age Yeongdeok residents ran from October 20–22, with results reported on October 23–24. It found 61.3% strongly in favor and 19.5% somewhat in favor of bidding for a national correctional facility, totaling 80.8%. Strong opposition was 12.5% and some opposition 6.7%, totaling 19.2%.

The result draws attention because Yeongdeok is confronting depopulation and economic stagnation. County officials hope an institution would bring staff and spending; questions about safety, neighborhood impacts and actual economic returns remain unresolved.

The 80.8% is a measured survey response, not a fictional tally of online comments. Regional reporting says the county plans to examine concerns among nearby residents and possible support measures. Specific quotations from opponents were not independently obtained.

A national correctional institution is subject to Ministry of Justice processes. Yeongdeok says it intends to pursue the bidding steps, but a favorable survey does not determine a site or construction date. Any projected impact on employment, shops or living conditions still needs evidence.

The telephone survey covered 931 Yeongdeok voters aged 18 or older from October 20–22, using ARS and demographic and geographic weighting. The stated margin of error was ±3.2 percentage points at a 95% confidence level. It measures surveyed opinion, not a roll call in which 80.8% of every resident voted yes.

Next comes the central government's selection process, identification of a possible site, and transparent discussion of security and community benefits. Turning survey support into policy requires evidence on operating plans and costs. The poll opens a debate; it is not a permit.