노인 나 홀로 관광의 동기에 관한 연구

Abstract

This study examines the motivations underlying senior solo travel, a growing phenomenon in the context of global population aging and increasing leisure participation among older adults. As South Korea rapidly transitions into a super-aged society, understanding the travel motivations of elderly individuals who choose to travel alone provides meaningful insights for both tourism and welfare policy development. Through a literature review and empirical survey conducted with 140 seniors aged 65 and over in Incheon, the study identifies key motivational factors influencing their solo travel behavior. Using a push–pull theoretical framework, ten motivational elements were analyzed. The results show that “relaxation and escape from daily life” was the most significant push factor, while “accessibility” and “economic value” were the highest-ranked pull factors. Unlike prior studies that emphasized intrinsic motivations such as self-fulfillment and health improvement, this research highlights the importance of pragmatic and accessibility-related considerations for Korean seniors. The findings suggest that senior solo travel serves not only as a leisure activity but also as a means of maintaining autonomy, emotional well-being, and social connection. The study concludes by recommending age-friendly tourism infrastructure, financial support mechanisms, and digital accessibility enhancement to promote active participation of older adults in travel and to mitigate social isolation among the elderly.