A survey on the nation's consciousness and values conducted by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on 6,180 people nationwide showed that for the first time in 30 years, more people hoped for "a mature democracy" (31.9%) than "a prosperous economy" (28.2%). Shown is a candlelight vigil on Dec. 6, 2024, in front of National Assembly Station in Seoul's Yeongdeungpo-gu District demanding the impeachment of then President Yoon Suk Yeol for his failed attempt at martial law. (Yonhap News)
By Lee Dasom
A poll has found that for the first time in 30 years, more people wish for a mature democracy instead of economic prosperity in the country's future.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism on Dec. 23 said this in releasing the results of its 2025 survey on public perceptions and values conducted on 6,180 people nationwide. In a first, the study also had a separate poll of expats.
The study found that the answer "a country with a mature democracy (31.9%) beat the runner-up "an economically prosperous nation" (28.2%), which had always ranked first since the inaugural survey in 1996. Third was "a country with a well-developed social welfare system" (16.9%).
A ministry official said, "The response apparently stemmed from a keen sense of urgency over the importance of a mature democracy due to the recent crisis of democracy."
On democratic maturity, 46.9% called the country's democracy level "high" and just 21.8% said "low."
A survey of 1,020 expats who had lived in Korea for at least two years found that 55.9% were "happy" with their lives here and 56.1% "satisfied."
On multiculturalism, 66% of Koreans said it "helps secure a strong workforce" and 61.3% added "major positive effects such as reinforcing social inclusion." In addition, 59.2% cited the "need for institutional support to prevent economic isolation."
When asked what the country's top social problem to resolve is, Koreans mentioned the gap between rich and poor (23.2%), jobs (22.9%), and real estate and housing issues (13.2%).
dlektha0319@korea.kr