South Koreans in their 40s, who carry the heaviest household financial burdens, cut their health care spending more than any other age group, a new report showed.
Average monthly spending on health care across all age groups fell to 213,000 won this year from 219,000 won in 2024, a decline of 6,000 won, according to the 2026 Korea Wellness Report released on the 25th by the KB Financial Group Management Research Institute.
Over the same period, spending by people in their 40s dropped to 204,000 won from 227,000 won, a decrease of 23,000 won and the steepest decline among all age groups. Spending on health functional foods fell by 10,000 won to 74,000 won a month from 84,000 won, while exercise-related spending declined by 9,000 won to 69,000 won from 78,000 won.
The findings suggest that health care consumption is contracting, particularly among people in their 40s who face the greatest economic pressure. Among that group, 40.6% said their debt repayments and fixed costs were burdensome, the highest share of any age group. Only 21.0% of people in their 40s said they were satisfied with their current financial situation, the lowest share among all age groups.