Jeju Island's Population Exodus Intensifies, Over 3,000 in the First Half of This Year
The phenomenon of population outflow from Jeju Island is accelerating to a serious level.
According to the 'Domestic Population Movement Statistics' released by the Korean Statistical Agency on the 23rd, there was a net outflow of 514 people from Jeju in the month of June alone.
During this period, 1,999 people moved to Jeju from other provinces, but a larger number, 2,533 people, left Jeju.
Notably, since August 2023, Jeju has recorded 23 consecutive months of net population outflow. In the first half of this year (January to June), the total net outflow from Jeju was 3,026 people, which represents an increase of 834 (38%) compared to the same period last year.
Continuing 23 Months of Net Population Outflow
If this trend continues, it is expected that the net outflow figure of 3,361 that was recorded last year, the highest in 38 years, will soon be surpassed.
Population Outflow Spreading Across All Age Groups
Unlike in the past, the current population outflow from Jeju is not limited to specific age groups but has spread across all demographics.
In the first half of last year, there was a net inflow of 30s (22 people) and 50s (48 people), but this year, the situation has reversed with net outflows of 208 and 139, respectively.
The outflows have increased even more in the 40s and 60-plus age groups; last year's first half saw a net outflow of 108 and 84, which have significantly risen to 174 and 226 this year.
The accelerating population outflow from Jeju is attributed to multiple factors acting in combination.
Experts point to the lack of job opportunities in the Jeju region, high prices and housing costs, and insufficient living infrastructure as major causes.
In particular, due to the island's industrial structure, which heavily relies on tourism, the lack of stable jobs and the increasing burden of housing costs due to recent rises in real estate prices are also factors driving the population outflow.
Image source: Material photo for understanding the article / gettyimagesbank
