The Determinants of Sports Activity Expenditure among Koreans: An Empirical Analysis Using the Tobit Model

This study examines the factors influencing daily sports expenditure using data from the 2023 National Daily Sports Survey conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST) in Korea. The study addresses the issue of censored data using a Tobit regression model, with 48.8% of respondents reporting zero spending on sports activities. The results indicate that while there are differences across activities, an increase in household income, employment status, educational attainment, membership of sports clubs, and use of paid facilities is associated with a significant rise in sports expenditure. Moreover, awareness of local sports facilities and engagement in regular, extended exercise sessions also contribute to an increase in spending. Regional variations in spending patterns are evident, with regions outside Seoul displaying higher expenditure. These findings emphasise the necessity for a comprehensive approach to public health and sports policies, encompassing infrastructure improvements, financial incentives, and awareness campaigns, to foster a more active and healthy society.