움직이는 청춘, 달라지는 삶? 청년의 이동유형별 삶의 질

초록

This study analyzes the impact of different types of migration on the quality of life of young adults in Korea, using data from the first to third waves (2021–2023) of the Youth Panel 2021 (YP2021) survey. The sample comprised 2,927 individuals who had followed the typical life path of Korean youth, progressing from high school to college and then into employment. Migration types were classified based on region of origin (high school location) as either SCA (Seoul Capital Area) or non-SCA. They were then categorised into eight groups: SCA stayers; out-of-SCA migrants; return-to-SCA migrants; non-SCA stayers; early-SCA migrants; late-SCA migrants; inter-non-SCA migrants; and return-to-non-SCA migrants. The analysis revealed that the quality of life of non-SCA youth was significantly higher than that of SCA youth. For SCA youth, parental economic background — such as parental assets and financial support for living expenses — had a greater influence than geographic mobility. Among non-SCA youth, no migration type was associated with a higher quality of life than staying in the home region. Notably, migration to the SCA was associated with a decline in quality of life. These findings suggest that a 'good life' for young adults cannot be achieved through spatial mobility alone, but requires stable economic resources, secure employment, and adequate housing. Therefore, improving the quality of life of young adults requires addressing structural issues in the SCA, strengthening the bases for settlement in non-SCA regions, and supporting policies that promote economic independence, access to quality employment, and affordable housing.

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