The China Shock and Internal Migration: Evidence from Bilateral Migration Flows

Jaerim Choi (), Hyoungchul Kim and Seung Hoon Lee
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Hyoungchul Kim: University of Pennsylvania
Seung Hoon Lee: Yonsei University

No 2026rwp-287, Working papers from Yonsei University, Yonsei Economics Research Institute

Abstract: Using Korean administrative data spanning nearly two decades and covering the universe of bilateral migration flows across local labor markets, we examine how the China trade shock shapes internal migration. While prior studies rely on net population changes to measure labor adjustment, we exploit bilateral migration flows that separately capture in- and out-migration. We find that trade exposure primarily increases out-migration from adversely affected regions, with limited effects on in-migration, revealing asymmetric spatial adjustment. Decomposing the shock, export expansion reduces out-migration, whereas import competition increases it. Migration responses are strongest among prime working-age individuals and substantially weaker among younger and older cohorts. Single-person households are more responsive than multiperson households. Overall, bilateral data reveal substantial migration responses that conventional net population measures fail to detect, offering new insight into the "missing migration puzzle."

Keywords: China trade shock; Labor adjustment; Internal migration; Korea (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: F14 F16 J61 R23 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 52pages
Date: 2026-05
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