Koreans from New York are leaving for other regions in the United States. Among the most important reasons for migration are the recession in the region, strict business regulations, and the rapid rise in the cost of living.

Statistics from the moving industry indicate that the number of long distance moves has increased by 30 percent in the last three years.

Koreans considering leaving New York are asking friends and relatives about life in other areas—even visiting to gain information. According to a worker in the moving industry, “Many Koreans are moving to the South: Virginia, or Georgia.”

Mr. Kim, 35, moved from New York to Virginia three years ago. “My relatives in New York asked me how it is to live here and I answered many such questions from many relatives,” he said. “Some family members really did follow us here.”

Mr. Yun, 47, who has lived in New York with his family for ten years, is ready to move. He said, “My business—I’m in sales—gradually became worse and worse, and rents, taxes and the cost of living continuously increase, causing extreme difficulties for my family. Right now, I’m looking into the Atlanta area for my business. My elder brother lives there.”

New York Koreans prefer states such as Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida for migration. These areas have seen a recent and rapid increase in Korean populations.

According to the 2000 census, the Korean population of Georgia, (including Atlanta) was 28,745. This number is an 88.2 percent increase from ten years ago. Other states show similar increases: North Carolina,73.4 percent; Virginia, 50.1 percent; and Florida, 54.3 percent.

These states’ growth rates of Korean population surpass New York State, had an increase of only 25.3 percent during the same period.

The majority of Koreans now residing in these southern states came from the New York area.