Lower-income households in South Korea experience significantly higher levels of loneliness, according to government data that reveals how economic conditions affect emotional well-being and social connections.
The National Data Agency's 2025 Social Survey and Korea Statistical Information Service (KOSIS) data released on the 2nd showed that among the population aged 13 and older, the proportion reporting feelings of loneliness increased as income decreased.
Households earning less than 1 million won ($700) per month reported a loneliness rate of 57.6%, approximately 20 percentage points above the national average of 38.2%. This is about 1.7 times higher than households earning 6 million won or more, which reported 33.0%.
Low-income respondents were more likely to perceive loneliness as a recurring experience rather than a temporary emotion. Among those earning under 1 million won monthly, 12.0% said they feel lonely "frequently"—roughly double the rate of the 1-2 million won bracket at 6.6%. An additional 45.6% in the lowest income group reported feeling lonely "sometimes."
Loneliness rates declined progressively with rising income. The 1-2 million won bracket recorded 44.9%, while 2-3 million won showed 39.7%. Both the 3-4 million and 4-5 million won groups registered 36.7%. The 5-6 million won bracket fell to 32.3%, and those above 6 million won recorded 33.0%.
By age group, the oldest demographic showed the most pronounced loneliness. Those in their 50s, 60s, and 70s reported rates around 40%, while respondents aged 80 and above jumped to 52.2%.
Satisfaction with personal relationships also varied significantly by income. Only 37.8% of households earning under 1 million won reported satisfaction with their relationships, compared to 65.7% among those earning 6 million won or more—a gap of approximately 1.7 times.
The trend held across middle-income brackets. Satisfaction rates were 44.1% for 1-2 million won earners and 50.1% for 2-3 million won. The 3-4 million and 4-5 million won groups showed similar levels at 55.6% and 55.8% respectively, while 5-6 million won earners reached 61.0%.
The lowest income bracket is estimated to include a significant number of elderly individuals who have exited the workforce after retirement, as well as seniors living alone. Analysts say this data illustrates how elderly poverty is contributing to social isolation.