South Korean youth are turning away from new cars: a decade-long decline in registrations

Statistics from a study by South Korean company Carisyou, published by Jin10, reveal a concerning trend in the South Korean automotive market. Young people are stopping buying new cars, and the numbers confirm this trend with unprecedented clarity. Data shows a significant decline in interest in new vehicles among youth, with registration figures continuing to fall each year.

Youth aged 20: the lowest level in a decade

The most critical situation is among twenty-year-olds. In 2025, only 61,962 new cars were registered in this age group, accounting for just 5.6% of the total new vehicle registrations that year. This is the lowest result in the past ten years. Ten years ago, in 2016, this group was also active in the market but had a much higher share — 8.8% of total registrations. Thus, over a decade, there was a decline of 3.2 percentage points.

Similar critical trend in the 30+ group: a 6.9-point difference

The situation among thirty-somethings, though less severe, follows the same alarming trajectory. Last year, this age group registered 209,749 new cars, representing 19% of total registrations. However, similar to the youth group, this figure also reached a ten-year low, dropping from 25.9% in 2016 — a decline of 6.9 percentage points over ten years.

Broader implications: what does such a decline mean?

The parallel decline in activity among both age groups indicates a systemic shift in consumer behavior in the Korean market. Young and middle-aged buyers, who traditionally formed the core demand for new cars, are increasingly opting for alternatives — whether used vehicles, public transportation, or other mobility solutions. This trend highlights not only the economic challenges facing South Korean youth but also a transformation in the very concept of car ownership in modern society.