Urban unemployment and labor force participation in Korea.

Abstract

"This paper examines urban unemployment patterns in [the Republic of] Korea using a simultaneous model of unemployment and labor force participation. Urban demographic characteristics and economic conditions are put forward to explain inter-urban variations in the rates of unemployment and labor force participation. The estimation results indicate the importance of local demographic characteristics and economic conditions in determining labor force participation rates and unemployment rates. The results clearly indicate that 'sexual dualism' is pervasive in the urban labor market in Korea. Market discrimination against women is quite evident. "The analysis is based on data from the 1980 Population and Housing Census of Korea and the 1974 Special Labor Force Survey.