[Korea Social Trends Series] Part 5: The Era of Single-Person Households – Housing, Food Culture, and Consumption Patterns

One of the most striking changes in modern Korean society is the rapid rise of single-person households. While traditional Korean culture has long emphasized family units and multigenerational living, today more and more Koreans are choosing—or being forced by circumstances—to live alone. This trend is reshaping everything from housing markets to food culture, retail industries, and even social relationships. For foreign readers, understanding this transformation offers a clear window into how Korea’s demographic and cultural shifts directly influence daily life.

1. The Growth of Single-Person Households
According to Statistics Korea, single-person households accounted for over 33% of all households in 2024, making them the largest household type in the country. This represents a dramatic shift from just a few decades ago, when extended families living under one roof were the norm. The rise is driven by multiple factors: young people delaying marriage, an aging population where elderly people outlive their spouses, and greater social acceptance of independent living. By 2035, projections suggest that nearly 4 out of 10 Korean households could consist of a single individual.

2. Housing Patterns – Small Spaces, Big Demand
This shift has had a profound impact on Korea’s housing market. In cities like Seoul, demand for small studio apartments, known as “officetels” or “one-room” units, has skyrocketed. Real estate developers increasingly build compact but efficient housing units designed specifically for singles. These apartments often feature minimal kitchens, combined living and sleeping areas, and shared amenities such as gyms or lounges.
For example, a young professional in Gangnam may rent a 20-square-meter apartment equipped with a small kitchenette and rely on delivery services for most meals. At the same time, older single individuals may prefer slightly larger apartments in quieter neighborhoods but still value convenience and affordability over space. Rising housing prices also mean that many singles cannot afford larger homes, reinforcing the trend toward compact living.

3. Food Culture – The Rise of “Honbap” and “Honsool”
One of the most visible cultural shifts is in food. The terms “Honbap” (eating alone) and “Honsool” (drinking alone) have entered common usage in Korea, reflecting how solo dining has become normalized. In the past, eating alone was considered awkward or even shameful in a society that emphasized communal meals. Today, however, restaurants and cafes cater specifically to single diners, offering individual seating, smaller portion sizes, and single-serving hotpots. Convenience stores also stock a wide variety of ready-to-eat meals that appeal to solo consumers.
For example, a university student might stop at a convenience store for a quick “dosirak” (lunchbox) before heading to class, while a middle-aged worker may order a single-serving Korean barbecue set delivered to his apartment. Drinking culture, once dominated by group outings, has also adapted. Bars now provide counter seating for individuals, and sales of single-serve alcohol bottles have grown significantly.

4. Consumption Patterns – Convenience and Personalization
The single-person household trend also reshapes consumer behavior more broadly. Singles tend to prioritize convenience, personalization, and quality over quantity. This has fueled the growth of e-commerce, food delivery apps, and subscription services for groceries, household goods, and even personal care items.
For instance, an office worker might subscribe to a weekly grocery box with pre-portioned ingredients designed for one person, reducing waste and saving time. Retailers like Emart and Coupang have adapted by offering smaller packaging sizes and portioned products. Electronics and home appliances are also downsizing: single-cup coffee makers, compact washing machines, and small refrigerators are increasingly popular. The emphasis is on efficiency and catering to individual needs rather than family use.

5. Social Implications and Challenges
While independence offers freedom, it also brings challenges. Studies suggest that single-person households may face higher risks of loneliness, social isolation, and mental health issues. The government has responded with policies aimed at creating community housing projects and support programs for elderly singles in particular. For example, shared living arrangements, or “co-living spaces,” are being promoted as a way to balance privacy with community support.
There are also broader economic implications. With fewer families purchasing large homes, furniture and appliance makers must adjust product strategies. Healthcare systems are bracing for the increased demand of elderly singles living alone, who may require home-based medical services.

6. Global Comparisons
Korea is not alone in this trend, but its speed and scale are notable. In Sweden and Germany, single-person households already make up nearly half of all households, reflecting cultural norms of independence. Japan, too, has long dealt with the social phenomenon of “hitori gurashi” (living alone), especially among young urbanites. What makes Korea distinct is the rapid pace at which the change occurred, combined with the country’s strong traditional emphasis on family. The sudden shift has therefore created more visible cultural friction and debate.

7. Everyday Examples
Consider a 28-year-old woman working in Seoul’s financial district. She lives in a compact officetel near her office, subscribes to a meal kit service, and uses apps for grocery delivery, ride-hailing, and entertainment. Her evenings are often spent streaming dramas alone with a convenience store snack in hand. For her, single living represents independence and flexibility.
Meanwhile, a 72-year-old widower in Busan may live alone in a modest apartment, relying on government programs for meal deliveries and healthcare visits. While he values his autonomy, he also expresses feelings of isolation, highlighting the need for stronger community networks. These two examples illustrate how the single-person household trend spans generations, but with very different motivations and experiences.

8. Looking Ahead
The rise of single-person households is likely to continue, reshaping Korea’s economy and society in profound ways. Companies will innovate to serve individual consumers, from AI-driven personalized shopping to compact urban housing designs. Governments will need to strengthen social safety nets to address isolation and aging. And culturally, Korea may need to redefine notions of family, community, and social connection.

Editor’s Note
The surge of single-person households in Korea underscores the deep social changes the country is undergoing. While independence and convenience drive new markets and cultural acceptance, the risks of isolation and inequality also grow. For foreign readers, Korea’s experience offers insight into how rapidly modern societies can evolve, creating both opportunities and challenges. As Korea navigates this transformation, the balance between personal freedom and social cohesion will be at the heart of its future.