Both 'Natural Increase' and 'Social Increase' Observed in Population... Only Five Districts in Seoul
Ranked First in Child and Working-Age Population, Second in Adolescent and Youth Population... Maintaining a Young Urban Profile
Redevelopment and Reconstruction as Key Drivers of Population Growth in Songpa-gu... Jangji-dong Up, Machon 1-dong Down
Songpa-gu (District Mayor Seo Gang-seok) maintained its position as the most populous district in Seoul with a registered resident population of 650,110 last year. This is the highest among the 69 autonomous districts nationwide and ranks 10th among the 209 local governments across the country, excluding special cities, metropolitan cities, and provinces.
According to the district's independent analysis of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's 2024 resident registration population statistics, the total population continued to decline, decreasing by 4,056 from 654,166 the previous year.
On the other hand, birth registrations increased. They rose by 202 from 3,114 in 2023 to 3,316 in 2024. In Seoul, this was the second-largest increase following Gangnam-gu.
Notably, both 'natural increase' and 'social increase' phenomena were observed, indicating qualitative population growth. Last year, Songpa-gu's natural increase (births > deaths) was 429, and social increase (in-migration > out-migration, based on January to November 2024) was 124. Only five Seoul districts (Songpa, Gangnam, Gangdong, Seocho, Yeongdeungpo) showed both phenomena.
The district also maintained a young and vibrant urban profile. The average age was 43.6 years, 1.3 years younger than the Seoul average of 44.9 years. Additionally, it ranked first in child population (87,359), second in adolescent population (94,476), and youth population (142,485). The working-age population (15?64 years) was also the highest at 465,903.
The elderly population aged 65 and over was the largest in Seoul at 113,957, but the elderly population ratio, indicating the degree of aging, was 18%, the second lowest. About half of Seoul's districts, including Songpa-gu, 13 districts, were classified as aged societies (14% or more), and 12 districts were classified as super-aged societies (20% or more).
A key factor in population growth was redevelopment and reconstruction projects. The area with the largest population increase in Songpa-gu was Jangji-dong (2,095), influenced by the move-in of 'Hillstate e-Pyeonhansesang Munjeong (1,265 households)' last year. Conversely, Machon 1-dong saw a decrease of 1,820 due to resident relocations starting from the Machon 4 District redevelopment.
Single-person households in Songpa-gu increased by 1,783 to 19,656 households. By area, Bangi 2-dong (10,187 households) and Jamsilbon-dong (10,006 households) ranked highest. Both areas have favorable locations with subway stations and many one-room apartments and officetels. This shows that housing and transportation convenience are important factors for single-person households in choosing their area.
District Mayor Seo Gang-seok stated, "Last year, Songpa-gu achieved meaningful results in 'qualitative growth,'" adding, "In 2025, we will continue to prioritize residents and steadily promote key projects to complete the image of 'Premium City Songpa' through dedicated administration."
The district plans to focus on securing urban competitiveness in 2025 and accelerate related projects. Representative initiatives include ▲ creating a walkable street garden on Songpa-daero ▲ cooperating to attract the 2036 Seoul Olympics ▲ rapid promotion of redevelopment and reconstruction ▲ creating emotional waterfront parks along Jangji Stream and Seongnae Stream ▲ establishing streets blooming with flowers all year round ▲ strengthening native English classes ▲ and developing a park golf course at Jamsil Retention Basin.
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