This study analyzes the patterns of turnout rates in Korean local elections with aggregate-level data. The general tendency shows that the long-term factors such as urbanization level, size, and regional characteristics of an electoral district have much greater impact on turnout rates than the short-term factors such as electoral closeness and incumbent running. However, as seen in the three recent local elections, especially at the metropolitan districts, the effects of short-term factors have become important. This finding suggests a new trend in turnout rates in local elections.