It appears the time when residing alone was simply about getting by has passed. With individuals in their 30s and 40s who are financially independent now forming the majority of solo households, residences have evolved into areas that completely showcase personal preferences and individuality.
Jung Sung-kwon, aged 36, manages the YouTube channels *Jachu-nam* (Living Alone Man), *Yubu-nam* (Married Man), and *Gonggan-nam* (Space Man). He is a veteran content creator with nine years of experience online, having toured more "people's houses" than most real estate professionals. Up until now, he has explored over 1,700 residences. According to Jung, his journey began when he uploaded clips about advice for those living independently, but an unintentional post featuring a friend's house gained significant traction. This led him to shift focus toward showcasing homes from individuals who invite him in. Starting as *Jachu-nam*—which initially featured properties occupied by singles—the platform later grew into *Yubu-nam*, highlighting homes owned by couples, and *Gongkan-nam*, dedicated to exploring business environments. These channels have amassed 1.3 million followers. Everyone involved comes from regular backgrounds; they submit applications explaining why they wish to be featured, with selection done at random.
Jung remarked, "It's a misconception to link the phrase 'single-person household' exclusively with young adults in their 20s who live alone. Most single-person households I've encountered belong to individuals in their 30s and 40s, and the count of middle-aged people in their 50s and 60s residing independently is rising." These observations align with data. As per the *2025 Statistics on Single-Person Households* from the Ministry of Data and Statistics, there were 8,045,000 such households in South Korea in 2024, representing 36.1% of total homes—an unprecedented figure. Of these, 29.7% belonged to those in their 30s and 40s, whereas 32.7% included individuals aged 50 and above. Jung further noted, "The home environment of a single-person household typically showcases the resident's personal preferences, yet in multi-person households, neutral elements tend to dominate. For instance, someone living alone might put a mahjong table in the living area, but families sharing the space would have to choose furnishings based on mutual agreement due to varying tastes."
Which indoor furnishings are typically observed nowadays? Jung stated, "The most common fixture today is the 'ceiling fan,' mounted on the ceiling of the living area. The reality that many individuals reside in uniform apartment units with sturdy frameworks has simplified the installation of elements like ceiling fans or bathroom ventilation systems." He pointed out that the standardization of housing layouts has ironically enhanced the ease of internal fittings and sped up shifts in design styles.
Other changes have been observed in the factors considered when selecting a place to live. Jung noted, "About five to six years ago, many individuals responded 'because there is a big supermarket nearby' when questioned about their choice of neighborhood. Today, an increasing number mention 'convenience for deliveries.' The growth of e-commerce has even influenced the standards used for deciding where to reside."
Technology progress has also changed the importance of different elements. He stated, "Previously, apartment dwellers close to the Han River frequently expressed dissatisfaction with the glare caused by sunlight reflecting off the water and the traffic sounds. But due to improvements in insulation and soundproofing within windows, these grievances have declined. Now, individuals can completely appreciate the Han River as a 'scenic view,' which has boosted its worth."
Jung will present a talk entitled *What Type of Living Spaces Do Modern Single- and Dual-Person Households Reside In?* at 11 a.m. on the sixth day—which marks the third day—of the furniture and lifestyle fair *Sofurn & Life Show*. The event will take place between the fourth and seventh days of next month at COEX Hall A in Seoul. To apply, visit the official website (www.sofurn.or.kr), but first you must complete an online registration and join the Sofurn KakaoTalk group chat.
