韩国一户人家庭占比超36%：“一人经济”升温，老年孤独问题引关注

Core Insights - The number of single-person households in South Korea is projected to reach 8.55 million by 2027, 9.71 million by 2037, and nearly 10 million by 2042, reflecting a significant societal shift [1] - As of last year, single-person households accounted for 36.1% of all households in South Korea, marking a notable increase from 27.2% in 2015 and 31.7% in 2020 [1][3] - The rise in single-person households is attributed to changing social structures, with a notable impact on consumption patterns and the emergence of new business models [1][4] Demographic Trends - The increase in single-person households is primarily driven by two demographic groups: young individuals under 29 years old (19.8%) and seniors aged 70 and above [3] - Young people are increasingly opting for shared living arrangements and services, such as car-sharing, due to economic factors and the high costs associated with car ownership [3][4] - The number of new car registrations among individuals in their 20s has significantly declined, dropping to 2.9066 million units in the first half of 2025, representing only 5.7% of total registrations [4] Economic Implications - The demand for small-sized products, single-person dining options, and mini kitchen appliances has surged, leading to the emergence of new business sectors catering to single-person households [4] - Despite the growth of single-person households, there are signs of a potential reversal, as marriage and birth rates have shown some recovery this year [4] Aging Population Challenges - The aging population in South Korea is contributing to the rise of single-person households among the elderly, with over 10 million individuals aged 65 and above, representing 20.1% of the total population [5] - By 2052, it is estimated that 51.6% of single-person households will consist of individuals aged 65 and older, increasing the demand for social services and healthcare [5] - A recent survey indicated that only 34.2% of elderly individuals living alone consider themselves healthy, with nearly one-third reporting feelings of loneliness [5][6]