Korea ranks 75th on 'well-being' survey

South Koreans are not satisfied with the quality of their lives compared to other Asian nations, a poll showed.

According to the Gallup-Healthways Global Well-Being Index 2013, only 14 percent of Koreans report that they are “thriving” in three out of five elements of “well-being.” Overall, Korea ranked 75 out of 135 countries on the survey.

The five elements put forward by the survey were purpose in life, social relationships, financial management, community and physical health.

Forty-six percent of Koreans reported that they were “struggling” when it came to life purpose; 40 percent said they were “suffering” in the same category.

For social relationships, 47 percent expressed “struggling.” Less than half that number gave a positive response.

Sixty-three percent stated that they were struggling to find security within their communities, and 65 struggling with physical health.

The factor with most positive responses was financial management, in which 37 percent expressed that they were “thriving.”

The top countries on the well-being index were Panama, Costa Rica, Denmark, Australia, Brazil and Uruguay.

People residing in the Americas were the most likely to be thriving in three or more index factors (33 percent). In contrast, only nine percent of people in sub-Saharan Africa reported thriving in three or more categories.

In Asia, the Philippines ranked higher than Korea, with 24 percent stating that they are “thriving” in three or more categories. Taiwan followed at 18 percent, as did Japan (15 percent) and Thailand (22 percent).