'It's not that we like Seoul': Young Koreans explain why they leave their hometowns

Why do you insist on living in Seoul? Young people from outside the capital often hear that question, but they argue it misses the mark. Approximately 30,000 of them migrate to Seoul annually, primarily for educational pursuits or employment, as reported by the Ministry of Data and Statistics.

The regional animosity that divided their parents' generation between South Korea's southwestern Jeolla provinces and southeastern Gyeongsang provinces has diminished. Instead, the overwhelming concentration of opportunities in Seoul has intensified their isolation from other regions. A roundtable discussion with eight participants shed light on the nuances of this phenomenon.

While regional prejudice appears less pronounced among younger individuals, it still lingers in various forms. Participant 7 noted, "The regional rivalry between Gyeongsang and Jeolla doesn't seem as intense among people in their 20s today." Participant 6 agreed, acknowledging that "there isn't the same level of animosity as among people in their 50s and 60s." However, they did admit to encountering some anti-Jeolla sentiment.

One participant, Participant 1, mentioned, "I've heard that question many times. People seem to think that living in Seoul is the only logical choice, but it overlooks the potential for thriving in one's own region." The discussion highlighted the complex interplay between regional identity and the allure of Seoul's opportunities.