Korean Media: South Korea's Happiness Index Hits All-Time Low, Falling Behind China!
On April 30, Korean media outlet "Today's Finance" published an article stating that South Koreans' self-assessed subjective well-being ranked 67th globally—a decline of nine spots from the previous year, marking a new historical low.
According to Gallup, a U.S.-based research company, the recently released 2026 World Happiness Report gives South Korea a happiness score of 6.040 out of 10, ranking it 67th among 147 countries.
This represents a drop of nine positions from last year’s 58th place. The country’s ranking has steadily declined—from 52nd two years ago, to 58th last year, and now 67th this year. Notably, this is the lowest ranking since the report’s inception in 2012.
The happiness index is calculated based on six factors: gross domestic product per capita, life expectancy, social support, freedom of choice, generosity, and perception of corruption.
South Korea scores highly in GDP per capita and life expectancy but lags behind in social support and perception of corruption.
Finland has topped the list as the "happiest country" for the ninth consecutive year. Nordic nations dominate the rankings, with Iceland in second place, Denmark third, and Sweden fifth. Afghanistan was rated the least happy country.
Japan and China ranked 61st and 65th respectively—both ahead of South Korea.
Original source: toutiao.com/article/1863858441784346/
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