South Korea Surpasses 10 Million Single-Person Households Amid Population Decline

South Korea has recorded over 10 million single-person households for the first time, now accounting for 42% of all households, highlighting a significant demographic shift driven by an ageing population and changing social attitudes. The total number of households reached approximately 24.12 million in 2024, with single-person households rising from 9 million in 2020 to about 10.1 million. This increase is notably influenced by seniors living alone, with 2.13 million individuals aged 65 and above living solo, a 37.8% rise from 2023, and young adults in their 20s and 30s who are delaying marriage and choosing independent living as a sign of personal autonomy. South Korea’s registered population has declined steadily from 51.83 million in 2020 to 51.22 million in 2024, though the rate of decline has slowed since 2022. The demographic changes have also impacted the housing market, increasing demand for housing tailored to smaller households. These trends reflect broader social transformations in South Korea’s population structure and living arrangements.