The number of single-person households in South Korea reached a record high of 8.05 million by the end of 2024. This accounts for 36.1% of all households, with projections indicating the trend will continue amid low birth rates and an aging population. Data from the welfare ministry's social security factbook also shows seniors aged 65 or older surpassing 10 million for the first time, marking entry into a super-aged society.
The number of single-person households in South Korea has steadily risen to 8.05 million by the end of 2024, according to the welfare ministry's social security factbook. This figure represents 36.1% of all households, up from 5.2 million in 2015 and 6.64 million in 2020, when it first exceeded 30% of the total for 31.7%.
Projections indicate that if the trend persists, single-person households will reach 8.55 million in 2027, 9.71 million in 2037, and 9.94 million in 2042. This surge occurs as the country faces stagnant birth rates and an aging population. Meanwhile, the population aged 65 or older surpassed 10 million for the first time last year, pushing South Korea into a super-aged society where seniors account for over 20% of the total.
The data underscores broader demographic shifts, highlighting the need for enhanced support for single-person and elderly households. Reports from Yonhap News Agency and The Korea Times note that these changes, intertwined with low fertility, signal the urgency for reforms in social security systems.