This study aimed to establish an assessment system for rural water-cycle soundness across standard watersheds in Korea and to determine priorities for project implementation. As climate change, water-quality deterioration, and population aging in rural areas intensify, the need for an integrated approach to rural water management has become increasingly important. The study was structured into five sectors: water use, water safety, water environment, carbon neutrality, and water-friendly amenity. Sector-specific indicators were selected, and normality assessment, standardization, and factor analysis were conducted to verify indicator suitability. Weights were estimated using principal component analysis (PCA) to enhance the objectivity of the evaluation. A total of 825 standard watersheds were assessed, and sectoral indices were integrated to derive a rural water-cycle soundness index, which was subsequently classified into five grades. Based on the overall grades and sector-specific results, the priority of each standard watershed for implementing rural water-cycle projects was determined. The proposed framework provides a scientific basis for identifying vulnerable rural areas from a water-cycle perspective and supports policy responses. It may also contribute to future rural water management policies and disaster response strategies.
맹승진 et al. (Mon,) studied this question.