서울시의 권역 간 소득격차와 소득불평등 추이 분석(2001~2009년)

Abstract

This study examines whether income gap and inequality among the regional segments of Seoul improved since 2000 using “Occupation and Employment Statistics”. Since Kangnam area developed in late 1970’s, income disparity between non-Kangnam and Kangnam has been a social issue. It is a major concern of a municipal government to mitigate inequality among the regional segments. Since 2000, the city of Seoul has pursued continuously a regional balanced growth ploicy. Beginning later 1990’s, Seoul dedicated the second stage of sunway system(line 5 ~ line 8) and these lines passed through center, southwest, northeast neighborhood of Seoul. Around this period, Seoul launched a large scale of housing projects in many places where shanty towns existed in hilly terrains. Many new apartment sites sprouted in the areas with the new subway lines having stops. As transportation and housing condition ameliorated, middle income residents migrated in. Thus, the percentage of upper income families increased but the percentage of lower ones decreased, dwindling income gap between non-Kangnam and Kangnam area. This urban change decreased income gap and inequality among the regional segments. This case tells that a municipal government can paly a positive role in improving income inequality through an urban policy such as housing and transportation one.