Overwhelming majority of South Koreans are preoccupied with their health, with 7 out of 10 individuals expressing concern about their physical well-being and a staggering 9 out of 10 regularly consuming health supplements. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Sept. 30 (Korea Bizwire) – A recent study has revealed that an overwhelming majority of South Koreans are preoccupied with their health, with 7 out of 10 individuals expressing concern about their physical well-being and a staggering 9 out of 10 regularly consuming health supplements.
These findings come from the “2024 Korea Wellness Report,” released on September 29 by the KB Financial Group Research Institute, a subsidiary of KB Financial Group.
The report, which defines wellness as a harmonious state of physical, mental, and social health, is based on an online and mobile survey conducted from April 1 to 15. The study targeted economically active South Korean men and women aged 25 to 69 across the country.
According to the report, respondents rated their level of concern for physical and mental health at 3.67 and 3.19 points respectively, on a five-point scale where 1 indicates no worry and 5 signifies extreme concern. A significant 64.9% of participants reported being worried about their physical health, while 40.9% expressed concerns about their mental well-being.
The survey also shed light on perceptions of aging among South Koreans. On average, respondents believed that the aging process begins at 47 years old. The most common signs of aging reported were changes in skin condition (54.5%), decreased physical strength (51.4%), and diminished sensory abilities (38.4%).
When asked about their most pressing health concerns, respondents identified eye health as the top issue (52.9%), followed closely by fatigue and lack of energy (52.5%), chronic diseases (49.1%), and dental health (46.3%).
To maintain their health, South Koreans are taking proactive measures. The most common practices include regular health check-ups (87%), consumption of nutritional supplements (58.2%), regular exercise (46.3%), and ensuring adequate sleep (46%).
The study also revealed that 87% of respondents undergo health check-ups at least once every two years, with 38.4% doing so annually. Similarly, 90% reported taking health supplements or vitamins consistently for at least one month.
Among the most popular supplements were multivitamins (65%), probiotics (43.7%), omega-3 fatty acids (35.4%), and calcium-magnesium combinations (26.4%).
Furthermore, 7 out of 10 respondents reported actively managing their diet, considering factors such as portion sizes, meal frequency, and food choices to promote better health.
On average, South Koreans spend approximately 219,000 won per month on health-related expenses, underscoring the significant financial investment in personal well-being.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
