One in four young households is 'childless' and 'dual-income.' The proportion of 'childless and dual-income' among young households has doubled over the past eight years. This phenomenon is analyzed to stem from economic factors such as housing.

Dr. Hwang Kwang-hoon from the Korea Employment Information Service presented this research on 'the status and choice factors of childless dual-income young households' at the '2025 Employment Panel Survey Academic Conference' held on the 20th at the Hoam Faculty House Convention Center in Seoul, hosted by the Employment Information Service.

On October 12, 2023, in Goyang City, Gyeonggi Province, visitors are examining strollers at the second half of the Kobi Baby Fair & Early Childhood Education Exhibition held at KINTEX. /Courtesy of News1

According to the analysis, from 2012 to 2020, the proportion of childless young households among all young households increased from 26.1% to 41.4%, and the proportion of dual-income young households increased from 35.3% to 50.7%. Notably, the proportion of childless and simultaneously dual-income young households doubled during the same period, from 14.4% to 27.7%.

Dr. Hwang noted that 'young households that own homes are less likely to be childless and dual-income,' and analyzed that 'the higher the age and education level, and the higher the household's real income, the greater the likelihood of being a childless dual-income household.' He continued, 'This result shows that the family composition and birth decisions of the young population are strongly influenced by structural factors such as housing stability, economic conditions, and changing values, rather than mere personal choices.'

Another presenter, Dr. Hyun Eun-joo from the Employment Information Service, presented an analysis of 'wage disparities among the elderly by region.' Dr. Hyun stated, 'Wages for the elderly in non-capital areas were about 35% lower compared to the capital area, and while the differences within non-capital areas were not significant for Honam and Yeongnam regions, the central region was found to be significantly about 42% lower than the capital area,' suggesting that this result indicates the need for a shift in employment policies for the elderly that reflect regional disparities.

Meanwhile, the Employment Panel Survey Academic Conference is a gathering of professors, instructors, and researchers to present research findings based on various employment survey analysis data. At this conference, 30 expert papers and 6 student papers on topics such as young NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) and elderly employment were presented.