Analysis of Research Trends Related to Jeju Region Based on LDA Topic Modeling: Focus on Comparison with Seoul and Busan

Abstract

This study analyzes research trends related to the Jeju region, playing a crucial role for the local era, based on the operational experiences of special self-governance. The aim is to provide foundational data for future selection of research tasks and policy formulation for the Jeju region. To achieve this, we utilized the Python program (version 3.10.9) and the Web of Science (WoS) KCI-indexed research paper database. All fields of KCI research paper bibliographies were collected, and an analysis was conducted focusing on the keywords of the papers. An exploratory analysis of research papers over the past five years (2018 to 2022) containing the keywords 'Jeju', 'Seoul', and 'Busan' in their titles was prioritized for the three regions. Finally, LDA topic modeling was applied to the Jeju region, revealing that research in the area has focused on geographical and environmental characteristics. Three main topics were identified: 'Local community education and environmental conservation', 'Ecotourism', and 'Local autonomy and development'. The results suggest the need for diversification in research areas, complemented by the unique characteristics of Jeju, to lead the local era through enhancing local financial strength via the cultivation of various future industries and the restructuring of the industrial landscape.