Last year, the number of domestic population movers was 6.28 million, marking a rebound after four years. Due to population decline and aging, there had been a general trend of decreased mobility, predominantly among the younger generation. However, the housing market, which had been stagnant, became active once again last year, leading to an increase in movers. Incheon and Sejong saw an influx of new residents, while Gwangju and Jeju had more people leaving.
The National Statistical Office reported on the 24th that the annual number of nationwide movers reached 6.283 million, an increase of 2.5% compared to the previous year, according to the '2024 Domestic Population Movement Statistics Results.' This marks a slight rebound after the last increase in 2020 (7.735 million).
A representative from the National Statistical Office noted, "In the long term, the number of movers is on a downward trend due to changes in population structure, such as population decline and aging, but in the short term, the number of movers is also influenced by regular housing indicators." They explained, "In last year's January to November period, the volume of dwellings transactions increased by 14.7% (76,000 cases), and this is thought to have contributed to the increase in movers.
By region, Incheon (0.9%), Sejong (0.7%), South Chungcheong (0.7%), Gyeonggi (0.5%), and North Chungcheong (0.2%) saw a net influx of residents, with more people moving in than out. In contrast, the remaining 12 areas including Gwangju Metropolitan City (-0.6%), Jeju (-0.5%), and Seoul (-0.5%) experienced a net outflow of population, with more people leaving than arriving.
By area, the metropolitan and central regions showed a net influx, while the Yeongnam and Honam regions experienced a net outflow. The metropolitan area saw many in their 20s move in, whereas the central region welcomed diverse age groups excluding those in their 20s. In the Yeongnam region, only those in their 50s showed a net inflow, and in the Honam region, there was a net inflow among individuals aged 40 and older. Young adults tend to settle in the metropolitan area, while older individuals increasingly choose to reside in the central, Honam, and Yeongnam regions.
At the municipal level, Daegu Jung-gu recorded the highest net inflow rate at 9.2%. Gyeonggi Yangju (7.6%), Gyeonggi Osan (5.2%), Gyeonggi Gwacheon (5.0%), and Incheon Jung-gu (4.9%) also had high net inflow rates. Conversely, Seoul Yongsan (-4.3%) had the highest net outflow rate, along with Gyeonggi Uiwang (-2.9%), North Gyeongsang Chilgok (-2.4%), Busan Geumjeong (-2.0%), and Gyeonggi Gunpo (-2.0%), all of which saw more people leaving.
A representative from the National Statistical Office explained, "Seoul Yongsan experienced a high net outflow likely due to reconstruction and redevelopment, causing residents to move to nearby areas." They also noted, "In the case of Gwangju Metropolitan City, which had the highest net outflow rate, young adults are continuously migrating to Seoul and Gyeonggi for job-related reasons."
The main reasons for movers relocating were dwellings (34.5%), family (24.7%), and employment (21.7%). Incheon, Gyeonggi, and North Chungcheong cited "dwellings" as their reason for net influx, while South Chungcheong noted "employment" and Sejong mentioned "family." The main reasons for net outflow in seven regions including Busan and Daegu were attributed to "employment," and in Seoul and Daejeon, it was "dwellings."