Non-economic motivation for international migration: a decennial investigation of Korean family migration to the U.S

JiYoung Park (), JongSoo Lee () and SeongWoo Lee ()
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JiYoung Park: University at Buffalo, State University of New York
JongSoo Lee: University of Kansas
SeongWoo Lee: Seoul National University

The Annals of Regional Science, 2026, vol. 75, issue 1, No 5, 32 pages

Abstract: Abstract This study explored the impact of non-economic factors on Korean family migration to the U.S. Using 1990 and 2000 micro-level household data, it challenged the neoclassical theory’s assumption that migration maximizes human capital. The findings revealed no significant link between the expected income gap and migration likelihood, suggesting that economic theories alone cannot fully explain Korea-to-U.S. migration. Instead, non-economic factors like network theory and family reunification play a crucial role. While focused on Korean migrants, the study can broaden Asian migration trends to North America and the E.U., emphasizing the need for urban and regional policy related to population and urbanization.

Date: 2026
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DOI: 10.1007/s00168-025-01436-9

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