The number of urban dwellers moving to rural areas has increased sharply in recent years -― a phenomenon attributed mainly to a rising flood of retirees who want to seek a second life in the countryside.

Returning to farming appeals to many baby-boomers, who were born between 1955-63 and are now reaching retirement age, as a stable way of making a living in their later years. A wish to be away from bustling urban life also seems to encourage them to live in the countryside.

Figures released by Statistics Korea last week showed the number of households and people leaving cities for farming nearly doubled from a year earlier to 10,075 and 17,464, respectively, last year. The average age of a householder slightly increased from 51.6 to 52.4. Those in their 50s accounted for 38.4 percent of the householders, followed by 40-somethings with 25.4 percent and 60-somethings at 19.9 percent. Almost half of the urban households that moved to farming in 2011 were from Seoul and its vicinities.

The increase in the number of city dwellers settling in rural areas brings many benefits for the economy by adding jobs in the agricultural sector, boosting rural communities and distributing resources more efficiently on the national level. According to a survey by the Korea Rural Economic Institute, the relocation of an urban resident to a farming village results in economic benefits worth 1.69 million won ($1,565), including increased productivity and reduction in costs for solving urban problems like traffic congestion, sewage and air pollution. Some experts even note that the demographic change would lead to a decrease in crime in large cities.

But such effects can be assured only when people leaving urban areas successfully adapt to rural life. A simple wish not backed by thorough preparations could not ensure a stable and satisfactory living in farming areas.

Those who want to begin farming for their later years should be equipped with the professional skills and firm determination to carry it out as a career, rather than approaching it as a kind of hobby.

The fact that more than half of households moving to farming areas last year were single-member households appears to show they are aware of difficulties in rural life. To avoid or possibly reduce risks, it may be necessary to attempt a soft-landing in which a householder sets up the preparatory work before bringing in his spouse and other family members.

The possibility of success in farming life would be further heightened when their firm will and specific plan are matched with proper support programs by central and local governments.

In a positive policy direction, the Ministry for Food, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has earmarked 81.2 billion won, up 28 percent from this year, to help those moving to farm in rural areas next year.

More comprehensive and systematic efforts should be made in a consistent manner to further promote the trend that would serve to enhance the quality of life and sense of happiness among the people. It would be helpful to let city dwellers know what a farming life would be like through programs that offer opportunities for preliminary stays and intern work in rural villages.