Role of Time Use Data in Policymaking in South Korea

In “Role of Time Use Data in Policymaking in South Korea,” Ki-Soo Eun and Jiweon Jun explore the motivations behind collecting national time use data in South Korea, examine the achievements and constraints in its application, and identify critical factors that have facilitated or hindered its integration into policymaking.

Ki-soo Eun is a researcher with the Care Economies in Context project. He is professor of Sociology and Demography and is the Director at the Center for Transnational Migration and Social Inclusion (CTMS) in Seoul.

This case study is part of a project by Data2X entitled “Role of Time Use Data in Policy Making: Valuing Women’s Time and Care Work.”

Citation

Jun, J., Eun, K-S. (2025, March). Role of Time Use Data in Policymaking in South Korea. https://data2x.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/South-Korea-TUCS-WR-250225.pdf

Abstract

Time use surveys (TUSs) provide detailed insights into how individuals allocate their time across activities within a 24-hour period. This information is crucial for understanding people’s daily lives and uncovering disparities in time allocations, which are essential for informed policymaking. Since 1999, South Korea has systematically collected national time use data (Korean Time Use Survey, KTUS) at five-year intervals. This ongoing effort aims to gather comprehensive data to support policy development and contribute to developing policy on work-life balance, gender equality, and the recognition of unpaid labor.

This case study explores the motivations behind collecting national time use data in South Korea, examines the achievements and constraints in its application, and identifies critical factors that have facilitated or hindered its integration into policymaking. The insights gained provide a foundation for enhancing the future use of time use data in policy development. We also provide a brief overview of the 2019 KTUS to understand KTUS’s methodology and scope. To develop this report, we interviewed key stakeholders, including government officials, policymakers, and researchers, to gather qualitative insights. We also reviewed relevant documents, reports, and previous studies to supplement our findings. This methodology enabled us to triangulate data from multiple sources, ensuring a comprehensive and robust analysis.

In the following section, we delve into the specific motivations for South Korea’s commitment to collecting and using national time use data.