Generation Uphill: Housing Cost, Migration, and Commuting Time of the Young in South Korea

Abstract

This study investigates how an increase in housing cost during a major real estate boom affected migration decisions of workers in South Korean cities. We also examine how geographic relocation driven by increased housing price changed the commuting time and distance of migrants. We used 10% samples of micro censuses and found that increases in housing costs in a district are positively associated with the probability of migration out of the district. The effect of increased housing price is significantly larger for the young than for those aged 40 years and above. We also found that migrations driven by increased housing expenses increased commuting time and distance, particularly for young movers. Our results suggest that "forced migrations" driven by housing booms can intensify mismatch between workers (places with affordable housing) and jobs (workplace).