[비즈한국] According to the 2024 domestic population migration statistics, the total number of people who moved was 6.283 million, an increase of 155,000 (2.5%) compared to the previous year. This is confirmed by the migration rate—the number of people who moved per 100 people—which increased by 0.3 percentage points (%p) to 12.3%. Migration within the same city or province accounted for 65.4% (4.109 million people), while migration between cities and provinces recorded 34.6% (2.175 million people). Both the migration rate within cities/provinces (8.1%) and between cities/provinces (4.3%) rose by 0.3%p and 0.1%p, respectively, compared to the previous year.
1. Migration Characteristics by Age and Major Changes
Migration rates were highest among those in their 20s (23.9%) and 30s (21.0%), which appears to be largely influenced by key factors such as housing, family, and employment. In particular, the increase in migration rates compared to the previous year was most notable among those in their 20s (1.1%p), 30s (0.9%p), and those under 10 (0.6%p). Conversely, the migration rate for those aged 70 and older decreased, indicating a trend of reduced mobility among the elderly.
By gender, the migration rate for men was 12.7%, higher than that for women (12.0%). Looking at the sex ratio by age group, men in their 40s had the highest migration sex ratio (number of men per 100 women) at 109.5, while those 80 and older had the lowest at 74.0, demonstrating age-related differences in migration tendencies.
2. Net Migration Characteristics by City and Province
Incheon and Sejong showed high net inflow rates of 0.9% and 0.7%, respectively, while Gwangju and Jeju had the highest net outflow rates at -0.6% and -0.5%, respectively. Notably, Incheon recorded a net inflow across all age groups, demonstrating stable population growth. On the other hand, while Seoul recorded a net inflow of people in their 10s and 20s, it showed a net outflow in other age groups. This indicates that population migration is actively occurring even within the capital region.
By region, the capital area and the central region recorded net inflows of 45,000 and 16,000, respectively, while the Yeongnam and Honam regions recorded net outflows of 40,000 and 18,000, respectively. Inflow to the capital area was highest among those in their 20s, whereas a net outflow was observed for those in their 40s and older.
3. Reasons for Moving and Regional Characteristics
The primary reasons for moving—housing (34.5%), family (24.7%), and jobs (21.7%)—accounted for 80.9% of all reasons for migration. Compared to the previous year, the number of people who moved due to housing and family reasons increased, while those who moved for job reasons decreased. For migration within the same city or province, housing was the biggest factor at 43.2%, whereas for migration between cities and provinces, jobs were the main reason at 33.5%.
In Seoul, jobs, education, and residential environment served as the main reasons for moving. In Incheon, improvements in the residential environment were the main driver of net inflow. Sejong and Gyeonggi experienced population inflows thanks to jobs, family, housing, and residential environment, although some people left due to education and natural environment factors. Conversely, cities such as Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Ulsan experienced net population outflows due to a lack of jobs. In provincial areas, the tendency for people to leave due to residential environment issues was prominent.
4. Characteristics of Migration in the Capital Region
The number of people who moved within the capital region was 2.927 million, accounting for 46.6% of all movers; this was an increase of 30,000 (1.0%) compared to the previous year, although its share of total migration decreased by 0.7%p. The number of people moving from non-capital areas to the capital region was 418,000, an increase of 0.7% (3,000 people), while the number of people moving from the capital region to non-capital areas was 373,000, an increase of 1.3% (5,000 people). This shows that the flow of migration between the capital region and non-capital areas remains active.
By city and province, Seoul’s net outflow to Incheon and Gyeonggi reached 75,000, an increase of 9,000 from the previous year, while Gyeonggi's net inflow within the capital region was 53,000, an increase of 18,000 from the previous year. Incheon's net inflow within the capital region decreased by 8,000.
5. Migration Trends by City, County, and District
Out of 228 cities, counties, and districts nationwide, 80 recorded a net inflow, while 148 recorded a net outflow. The areas with the highest net inflow rates were Jung-gu, Daegu (9.2%), Yangju, Gyeonggi (7.6%), and Osan, Gyeonggi (5.2%). Conversely, the areas with the highest net outflow rates were Yongsan-gu, Seoul (-4.3%), Uiwang, Gyeonggi (-2.9%), and Chilgok-gun, Gyeongbuk (-2.4%).
Notably, the high net inflow rates of Jung-gu in Daegu and Yangju in Gyeonggi show that the residential environment and transportation accessibility offered by these areas served as major factors. In contrast, it appears that Yongsan-gu in Seoul and Uiwang in Gyeonggi experienced net outflows due to high housing costs and a lack of residential environment improvements.
6. Regional Location Analysis and Implications
Population migration statistics clearly show the strengths and weaknesses of regional locations. In the case of the capital region, it continues to attract population for reasons such as jobs, education, and residential environment, but net outflows are occurring among some groups due to high housing costs and population density. On the other hand, Incheon, Sejong, and Gyeonggi are seeing population growth due to stable residential environments, job opportunities, and family-friendly elements.
Large cities such as Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Daejeon, and Ulsan are struggling to retain their populations due to a lack of jobs. For provincial areas, improving the residential environment remains an urgent task. Considering these regional differences, you can take the following factors into account when planning a move or selecting an investment area.
First, job opportunities. While large cities and the capital region have abundant job opportunities, competition is fierce and housing costs are high. One must consider the balance between job stability and housing costs.
Second, education and family environment. Sejong and Gyeonggi provide optimal locations for education and family-centered living.
Third, residential environment. Areas like Incheon are attractive as places to live, offering relatively affordable housing and a pleasant environment.
Fourth, long-term development potential. While provincial areas are in need of residential environment improvements at present, one can seek investment opportunities in areas with high development potential.
The 2024 population migration statistics show that the issues of regional imbalance and concentration in the capital region have not yet been resolved. Continuous population inflow into the capital region increases the housing and economic pressure on those areas, while population decline in non-capital areas can aggravate the risk of regional extinction. Therefore, the government must strengthen policies for balanced regional development and focus on enhancing regional competitiveness through residential environment improvements and job creation.
These statistics are valuable information for making decisions regarding relocation and investment, helping both individuals and companies make better choices by thoroughly analyzing the locational pros and cons of each region. I hope they are put to good use.
Kim Hak-ryul, the director of the Smart Tube Real Estate Research Institute known by his pen name "Pasyong," formerly served as a team leader at the Real Estate Research Division of Gallup Korea. He manages and hosts the Naver blog "Pasyong's World Exploration" and the YouTube channel "Tube TV." His books include "The Power of Gyeonggi-do Real Estate (2024)," "Absolute Principles of Seoul Real Estate (2023)," "The Future of Incheon Real Estate (2022)," "Kim Hak-ryul's Absolute Principles of Real Estate Investment (2022)," "Future Map of South Korea's Real Estate (2021)," "From Now On, Only Places That Will Rise, Rise (2020)," and "User Manual for South Korea's Real Estate (2020)."