New Year's Wishes Chosen by 'Jikjangin'... 'Certification Acquisition' Ranks First

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Daeseop] Hunet announced on the 6th that the top two wishes that office workers want to achieve in 2020, the Year of the Rat (Gyeongja Year), are 'obtaining certifications' and 'learning foreign languages.'

The survey was conducted from the 1st to the 3rd of this month, targeting 987 office workers. Unlike previous years where 'health management' was ranked first, this year self-development was prioritized. Hunet explained that due to lifelong job insecurity, the trend of 'Upgrading Human' (people who pursue growth rather than success through self-development) is emerging, leading to increased interest in this area.

Looking at the categories, 'obtaining certifications' (20.7%), 'learning foreign languages' (20.0%), 'job change/startup' (17.1%), 'health management such as dieting and quitting smoking' (17.1%), 'successful financial management such as savings' (13.6%), and 'salary increase and promotion' (6.4%) were reported. Other responses included 'school enrollment' (1.4%), 'owning a home' (1.4%), and 'marriage/childbirth' (0.7%).

Notably, 94.4% of respondents said they have a learning plan for self-development this year, which is a 4.1% increase compared to the previous year.

Regarding learning purposes (multiple responses allowed), 'strengthening work competency' accounted for 74.6%, marking the first place for six consecutive years. This was followed by 'enhancing general knowledge and healing' (43.7%), 'job change' (24.6%), 'startup' (20.4%), and 'promotion' (7.0%).

Regarding education expenses for self-development, 54.9% said they would 'maintain a similar level as last year.' Those who responded that they would 'increase expenses compared to last year' accounted for 38.0%. On the other hand, only 7.0% said they would 'reduce expenses.'

The average monthly education expense was calculated at 126,000 won, an increase of 7,000 won from 119,000 won the previous year. The most common range was '50,000 to less than 100,000 won' at 41.6%. This was followed by '100,000 to less than 200,000 won' (23.2%), 'less than 50,000 won' (16.9%), '300,000 won or more' (11.3%), and '200,000 to less than 300,000 won' (7.0%).

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.