Unraveling the dynamics of age and gender diversity in Seoul, South Korea: From the Pre-COVID-19 to the post-social distancing era

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has significantly altered people's mobility patterns and population dynamics, potentially influencing the diversity among age and gender groups in daily life. Recognizing the critical importance of diversity in fostering equitable and sustainable societies, this study utilized mobile phone-based floating population data to investigate the dynamics of diversity levels among age and gender groups in Seoul, South Korea, from the pre-pandemic to post-social distancing periods. Our findings revealed a decrease in diversity levels during the initial COVID-19 outbreak, followed by a gradual recovery. Employing K-means time-series clustering, the analysis demonstrated that the area characterized by the highest level of diversity experienced minimal changes in diversity, primarily observed in apartment complexes with high-income residents. Conversely, areas with lower diversity levels experienced significant variations, which were primarily observed in low-rise multi-dwelling units with low income levels. These findings enhance our understanding of how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced age and gender diversity across different areas of Seoul.