Asia - Pacific

Seoul considers raising senior age limit as South Korea enters 'super-aged' society

20% of South Korea’s population is 65 or older

Saadet Gökce  | 10.01.2025 - Update : 10.01.2025
Seoul considers raising senior age limit as South Korea enters 'super-aged' society

ISTANBUL

South Korea is mulling over to raise the 65-year-old limit for seniors after the country became a "super-aged" society, announced health officials on Friday.

The plans also include as how to modify social welfare programs and senior discounts for public transportation, according to Seoul-based Yonhap News.

The government is additionally planning to reform the pension system to better account for the aging population as Korean Senior Citizens Association had proposed the senior age be gradually adjusted to 75.

Seoul is also aiming to create 1.1 million jobs for older adults this year as it pays around $234 in basic pension payout.

According to the UN, any country with more than 7% of the population 65 or older is an aging society, those with over 14% an aged society, and those with more than 20% a super-aged society.

Twenty percent of South Korea’s population has surpassed the age of 65 as of December last year, which is 10.24 million people out of a total 51.22 million.

South Korea is facing low birth rates and an aging population, as South Korean couples avoid starting families for several reasons, including the high cost of housing, education, and long work hours.

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