South Korea boasts the world’s 13th largest economy. It is often cited as a shining rags-to-riches example when it comes to the rise of a small, formerly agrarian nation to a tech-savvy car and electronics maker. Even our own President Obama often heaps praise on the country for its educational success.
So, why are South Koreans so glum?
According to a Gallup poll conducted by the Chosun Ilbo, in conjunction with Gallup and Global Market Insight, South Korea has the smallest proportion of people, at 7.2 percent, who say they are very happy. According to the poll, which surveyed 5,190 people in 10 countries, including Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Canada, the United States, Brazil, Denmark and Finland from Dec. 16-24 of last year, the number of South Koreans who are happy about their lives decreased 10 percent between 1992 and 2010, the same period when the per-capita GDP tripled.
Koreans are apparently hampered by a preoccupation with money and wealth, the survey reported. Only 7.2 percent of Koreans felt money and happiness are not related, compared to the average of 24.3 percent among all surveyed countries. Another contributing factor to their lack of happiness is worry over the persistent threat of a North Korean attack, the survey showed. The country, notably, had the highest proportion of people wishing to emigrate among the surveyed nations.
