Industrial and Occupational Employment in Korean Urban Regions

Abstract

This study analyzes whether there has been an uneven distribution of empolyment

across urban areas in South Korea. Using data from the latest Korean census, we use simple correlation analysis to show that employment in a particular industry or occupation is associated with different characteristics of urban regions. Manufacturing employment is associated with wealthier, more crowded cities, which have relatively more advanced social overhead capital. The financial sector also is concentrated in large cities with more developed infrastructure. In contrast, other service industries-including wholesale and retail trades, transportation, and social

service-are centered in lower income, less developed, but less crowded cities. Unlike manufacturing, social services are concentrated in urban areas with older residents. Our findings suggest that redistribution of jobs from the Seoul area cannot be achieved without investing in social overhead capital in the targeted regions.