Koreans Live Longer, But Feel Less Happy

Published on 2018/01/14 | Source

Koreans are even less happy now than under disgraced ex-President Park Geun-hye, a survey suggests.

The Institute for the Future of State on Monday said an index gauging people's happiness stood at 112.08 points in the third quarter of last year, down 3.99 points from the previous quarter.

The institute compiles the index based on 34 indicators such as per capita household debt, consumer prices, education and housing expenses.

The index peaked at 135.13 points in February 2016 and has fallen since the fourth quarter of 2016, when Park was ousted.

Since it took office, the new administration of President Moon Jae-in has put the emphasis on "quality of life", but that does not seem to be biting.

"Employment and average life expectancy improved in the third quarter of last year, but people are unhappier due to rising costs", the institute said.