Polarization by generation is becoming clear in population movements in the Seoul metropolitan area. Young people continue to flock to the metro area for jobs and education, while middle-aged and older adults are steadily leaving for family or living-environment reasons. Net inflows to the metro area have continued for eight straight years since 2017.
According to Statistics Korea's data titled "Population movements in the Seoul metropolitan area over the past 20 years," released on the 17th, people ages 19 to 34 have posted a net inflow to the metro area every year over the past 20 years. In 2024, about 61,000 people moved in, driving the overall net inflow of 45,000.
But those ages 40 to 64 have left the metro area every year since 2007, with a net outflow of about 18,000 last year.
By age group, people in their 20s recorded a net inflow every single year over the past 20 years, while those in their 30s saw a net outflow for nearly 10 years starting in 2008 before turning to a net inflow after 2018. In contrast, those in their 40s and older have steadily left the metro area since 2007.
By region, net inflows to the metro area were high from Yeongnam. Last year alone, 34,000 people came from Yeongnam, including as many as 31,000 young people. From Honam, 14,000 people recorded a net inflow to the metro area, while about 4,000 middle-aged and older adults moved from the metro area to Honam. By contrast, the central region saw a net outflow of 3,000 from the metro area, centered on middle-aged and older adults.
Amid this trend, the metro area as a whole returned to a net inflow in 2017 and has seen inflows for eight straight years. The overall net inflow to the metro area in 2024 was about 45,000, down from 88,000 in 2020, but still maintaining an inflow trend.
As for reasons for moving, those entering the metro area from outside cited jobs (43.2%) and education (12.4%) most often. Conversely, those leaving the metro area frequently cited family (31.1%) and the natural environment (3.3%).
Statistics Korea said the concentration in the metro area is likely to intensify. The metro area's share of the population rose from 50.2% in 2020 to 50.5% in 2022, and is projected to climb to 51.6% in 2030, 52.6% in 2040, and 53.4% in 2052.