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The economic damage of COVID-19 on regional economies: an application of a spatial computable general equilibrium model to South Korea

Author

Listed:
  • Euijune Kim

    (Seoul National University)

  • Dongyeong Jin

    (Seoul National University)

  • Hojune Lee

    (Seoul National University)

  • Min Jiang

    (Seoul National University)

Abstract

We developed a spatial computable general equilibrium model of South Korea to assess the spatial spillover effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on South Korea’s regional economic growth patterns. The model measures a wide range of economic losses, including human health costs at the city and county level, through an analysis of regional producers’ profit maximization on the supply side and regional households’ utility maximization on the demand side. The model’s findings showed that if the level of spatial interaction decreases by 10% as a result of social distancing policies, the national gross domestic product drops by 0.815–0.864%. This loss in economic growth can be further decomposed into 0.729% loss in agglomeration effect, 0.080–0.130% loss in health effect associated with medical treatment and premature mortality, and 0.005% loss in labor effect. The results of the models and simulations shed light on not only the epidemiological effects of social distancing interventions, but also their resultant economic consequences. This ex-ante evaluation of social distancing measures’ effects can serve as a guide for future policy decisions made at both the national and regional level, providing policymakers with the tools for tailored solutions that address both regional economic circumstances and the spatial distribution of COVID-19 cases.

Suggested Citation

  • Euijune Kim & Dongyeong Jin & Hojune Lee & Min Jiang, 2023. "The economic damage of COVID-19 on regional economies: an application of a spatial computable general equilibrium model to South Korea," The Annals of Regional Science, Springer;Western Regional Science Association, vol. 71(1), pages 243-268, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:anresc:v:71:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1007_s00168-022-01160-8
    DOI: 10.1007/s00168-022-01160-8
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • C68 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Mathematical Methods; Programming Models; Mathematical and Simulation Modeling - - - Computable General Equilibrium Models
    • D58 - Microeconomics - - General Equilibrium and Disequilibrium - - - Computable and Other Applied General Equilibrium Models
    • I18 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Government Policy; Regulation; Public Health
    • R13 - Urban, Rural, Regional, Real Estate, and Transportation Economics - - General Regional Economics - - - General Equilibrium and Welfare Economic Analysis of Regional Economies

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