How Seoul is Killing South Korea: The Battle of the Capitals

💼Seoul's concentration of resources and opportunities is suffocating the rest of South Korea.

📉South Korea's fertility rate is the lowest in the world, leading to an aging and shrinking population.

🏙️Seoul's high housing costs and extreme competition make it difficult for families to thrive.

💰South Korea's culture of competition and high costs of living discourage people from starting families.

🏢The government's plan to build a new capital city, Sejong, faces challenges and may not be successful.

Why is Seoul causing problems for South Korea?

—Seoul's concentration of resources and opportunities is suffocating the rest of South Korea. The city's dominance is draining the country's economy, driving up living costs, and creating an extremely competitive society.

What is the fertility rate in South Korea?

—South Korea has the lowest fertility rate in the world, with women having fewer children than anywhere else on the planet. The declining fertility rate is causing the population to shrink and age rapidly.

Why are housing costs in Seoul so high?

—Seoul has one of the least affordable housing markets in the world. The high demand for housing in the capital, coupled with limited space and resources, drives up prices and makes it difficult for families to afford comfortable living.

Why are people in South Korea reluctant to start families?

—The high costs of living, extreme competition, and limited opportunities outside of Seoul discourage people in South Korea from starting families. Raising a family in South Korea is considered one of the most expensive endeavors in the world.

Will the government's plan to build a new capital city be successful?

—The government's plan to build a new capital city, Sejong, has faced opposition and may not be successful in reversing the dominance of Seoul. Challenges include the reluctance of government employees and politicians to move, the proximity of Sejong to Seoul, and the concentration of resources and opportunities in the capital.

00:00Seoul's dominance is suffocating South Korea, draining its economy, and causing a decline in population.

02:25The concentration of resources in Seoul has led to extreme competition and high living costs.

06:00South Korea's fertility rate is the lowest in the world, leading to an aging and shrinking population.

08:59The government's plan to build a new capital city, Sejong, has faced opposition and may not be successful in reversing the dominance of Seoul.