81% of Koreans discontent with life

81% of Koreans discontent with life

By Lee Hyo-sik More than eight out of 10 Koreans are dissatisfied with their life, an international research firm said Wednesday. In an online survey of 19,216 adults ― including 1,000 Koreans ― residing in 24 countries, Ipsos said 81 percent of Korean respondents disagreed with the statement: ``My life is fine the way it is and I don’t need to live better.’’ Hungary was the only nation that recorded a higher ratio of dissatisfaction than Korea at 89 percent, meaning Koreans feel unhappier about their life than most other nationals. Worldwide, only 64 percent of global citizens said they needed to live better. When asked about whether they wish they had a plan for living better, 90 percent of Korean respondents said they do. About 81 percent of Koreans either strongly or somewhat agreed to the statement that living better is more difficult than ever before. The survey also found 85 percent think living is no longer just about physical or mental health, indicating Koreans increasingly put greater weight on leisure and other activities that can improve their quality of life. ``About 90 percent of Koreans said living better requires a plan, while the remainder said living better just happens and is not something they can do anything about,’’ Ipsos said. “Asked about whether a strong national economy is important to individuals in improving their own personal wellbeing, 82 percent said it was.” Improving living conditions (84 percent) and strengthening family relations (83 percent) were also cited as prerequisites for having a better life, it said. Respondents were allowed to give multiple answers. About 74 percent also said learning something new or finding a new challenge was crucial for enjoying a better life, followed by more exercise (69 percent) and more or better sleep (64 percent) and eating better (62 percent). Among 24 countries, Saudi Arabia was found to be the happiest nation as 64 percent of its citizens said they are very or somewhat content with the way their lives are. India came in second at 60 percent, followed by Sweden at 57 percent, Germany at 48 percent, Canada at 46 percent, Australia at 44 percent and Britain at 42 percent.

leehs@koreatimes.co.kr