232,000 Single-Person Households in Gwangju... 'One-Person Households' Increase by 20% in Four Years

The number of single-person households in Gwangju has increased by about 20% over the past four years, reaching 232,000. Unlike the overall population trend, which is on the decline, the number of single-person households is growing rapidly, and this group demonstrates distinctive characteristics in terms of economic conditions, consumption patterns, and overall lifestyle.

On April 26, Gwangju Metropolitan City released the "Status Report on Single-Person Households in Gwangju Metropolitan City," which analyzed anonymized public data from the Ministry of Data and Statistics and private data from SK Telecom, Shinhan Card, Korea Credit Bureau (KCB), and SK Broadband.

Infographic comparing income distribution, card spending, call frequency, IPTV viewing time, and other lifestyle patterns of single-person households in Gwangju with those of households relocating to other regions. Provided by Gwangju Metropolitan City

원본보기 아이콘

According to the report, as of 2024, the number of single-person households in Gwangju has reached 232,000, a 19.7% increase from 193,000 in 2020. During the same period, the total population of Gwangju decreased by 2.9%.

An analysis of economic conditions showed that 63.8% of single-person households had an annual income between 20 million and 40 million won. Households without any loans accounted for 63.4%, while the rate of loan and credit card delinquency was 1.1%. Among those in arrears, 33.0% had small-scale delinquencies of 3 million won or less.

In terms of consumption, the average monthly credit card expenditure per person was about 950,000 won. By category, consumption was highest in online retail (26.6%), followed by general retail (12.2%), and restaurant services (11.0%).

Regarding lifestyle patterns, 86.8% of single-person households communicated with more than 31 people per month. On weekdays, 30.8% of respondents reported watching IPTV or similar media for more than four hours per day. The data showed that the lower the income or the older the age group, the longer the IPTV viewing time and the less frequent weekday outings.

Compared to 2020, the total population of Gwangju decreased by 41,640 people (2.9%) in 2024, while single-person households increased by 38,262, showing a 19.7% rise. Provided by Gwangju City

원본보기 아이콘

A comparison between single-person households residing in Gwangju and those who relocated to other areas showed that the latter group had a higher proportion of annual incomes exceeding 40 million won and higher credit card spending. However, this group was also more likely to have no one to communicate with or to go out less frequently, indicating a higher risk of social isolation.

By region, both the total population and the number of single-person households increased in Im-dong, Buk-gu, due to redevelopment, while Hanam-dong in Gwangsan-gu saw a notable rise in single-person households. As of 2024, Yongbong-dong in Buk-gu had the largest number of single-person households, while Seonam-dong in Dong-gu had the highest proportion of such households.

Based on these findings, Gwangju Metropolitan City is pursuing a customized policy initiative called "Valuable Gwangju Life for Those Living Alone (Solo Together)," which reflects the characteristics of different age groups and genders. Services targeting single-person households are provided year-round through family centers in each district, such as "It:On(ON) Culture·Kitchen" in Dong-gu, "1.5 Steps Outside, 1.5 Households Connecting Each Other" in Seo-gu, "Growth·Connection·Companionship Fly High for Single-Person Households" in Nam-gu, "Middle-Aged Single-Person Households: Single Up!" in Buk-gu, and "Mind·Relationship·Life·Recovery Package" and "Connecting the Tastes of Middle-Aged Men" in Gwangsan-gu.

Park Hyemi, Director of Data Informatization, stated, "This analysis is meaningful in that it identifies the lifestyle and consumption patterns of single-person households," adding, "We plan to use the derived indicators to develop future single-person household policies and customized services."

© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.