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The Earnings Experience of Rural-Urban Migrants in Korea

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  • Bun Song Lee
  • Joseph Phillips

Abstract

Migration models in the Harris-Todaro tradition imply that urban informal sector earnings are less than rural sector earnings. Examining the situation for Korea, we find that both urban formal and informal sector earnings exceed earnings opportunities in rural areas, making rural-urban migration the best decision for the individual and for the Korean economy in terms of maximizing output. A Dutch Disease model is offered as an explanation for the unexpected strength of urban informal sector earnings. The implication for policy makers is that government efforts may be better directed toward mitigating the externalities caused by over-crowding, rather than attempting to influence population movements. [J31]

Suggested Citation

  • Bun Song Lee & Joseph Phillips, 1997. "The Earnings Experience of Rural-Urban Migrants in Korea," International Economic Journal, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 11(4), pages 85-101.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:intecj:v:11:y:1997:i:4:p:85-101
    DOI: 10.1080/10168739700000028
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hakchung Choo, 1982. "Widening Urban-Rural Income Differentials in Korea: A Reexamination," Philippine Review of Economics, University of the Philippines School of Economics and Philippine Economic Society, vol. 19(1), pages 115-147, March.
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    8. Mazumdar, Dipak, 1976. "The urban informal sector," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 4(8), pages 655-679, August.
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    Cited by:

    1. Elizabeth Monk-Turner & Charlie Turner, 2001. "Sex Differentials in Earnings in the South Korean Labor Market," Feminist Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 7(1), pages 63-78.
    2. Edwin S. Wong, 2013. "Gender preference and transfers from parents to children: an inter-regional comparison," International Review of Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 27(1), pages 61-80, January.
    3. Pekkala, Sari, 2003. "What Draws People to Urban Growth Centers: Jobs vs. Pay?," Discussion Papers 310, VATT Institute for Economic Research.

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