Colloquium in April 2025

Hoyong Jung (Seoul National University, Graduate School of Public Administration and Korea Institute of Public Affairs)

Amidst the ongoing phenomenon of Seoul-centric concentration in South Korea, this study examines wage differentials among graduates of In-Seoul universities in the early labor market.

Even after controlling for individual student competencies—particularly College Scholastic Ability Test scores—graduates of Seoul-based universities earn, on average, approximately 8% more than their regional counterparts.

We infer that this disparity largely reflects differences in labor market characteristics, particularly the availability and quality of employment opportunities.

These findings highlight persistent wage imbalances linked to university location and broader regional disparities, underscoring the need for policies that promote high-quality job creation beyond Seoul.