"70% of People Experienced Income Reduction After COVID-19... Negative Views on Disaster Relief Payments, Positive Views on Quarantine Policies"

Monthly Average Decrease of 1.24 Million KRW
"Working Hours Reduced, Household and Care Duties Increased"

A street deserted due to the impact of COVID-19.
Photo by Asia Economy

[Asia Economy Reporter Na Ye-eun] A survey found that the income of 7 out of 10 people decreased after the COVID-19 pandemic. The average amount of income reduction for these individuals was 1,248,000 KRW per month.

According to the Korea Institute of Public Administration on the 3rd, the recently published "Survey on the Status of COVID-19 Quarantine Policies," conducted from November 15 to 22 last year with 2,016 respondents aged 18 and older nationwide, revealed these results.

68% of respondents answered that their average monthly income (before tax) last year decreased compared to 2019, before the COVID-19 outbreak. 30% said it increased, and 2% reported no change.

Additionally, the average monthly income reduction amount among those who reported a decrease was 1,248,000 KRW. The largest proportion, 79.5%, experienced a decrease of 1,000,000 KRW or less, followed by 12.6% in the 1,010,000 to 2,000,000 KRW range, 4.8% with 3,010,000 KRW or more, and 3.1% in the 2,010,000 to 3,000,000 KRW range. On the other hand, respondents who reported an increase in income had an average monthly increase of 786,700 KRW.

The main reason for the income decrease was identified as a "reduction in economic activity hours." Respondents' average daily economic activity time was 6.34 hours before COVID-19 but decreased to 5.62 hours after the outbreak, a reduction of 0.72 hours (43 minutes). Correspondingly, the time spent at home increased, with hours dedicated to housework and caregiving rising from 2.6 hours to 3.31 hours, an increase of 0.71 hours (42.6 minutes).

Regarding physical and mental health, 39.2% and 43.7% of respondents respectively answered that their health "worsened." These figures significantly exceeded the 5.0% and 5.4% who reported that their health "improved."

Citizens visiting the public health center for COVID-19 testing.
Photo by Asia Economy

Respondents gave favorable evaluations of government quarantine policies such as the quarantine pass and social distancing. "Mandatory mask-wearing" scored 4.55 points, "mandatory quarantine for all overseas entrants" 4.31 points, "ban on gatherings at entertainment facilities" 4.26 points, "mandatory COVID-19 testing for migrant workers" 4.17 points, "restrictions on religious activities" 4.13 points, and "complete prohibition of public assemblies" 4.09 points, all scoring above 4 out of 5 points.

"Remote education policies for elementary, middle, and high schools" (3.82 points), "business restrictions on multi-use facilities" (3.80 points), "methods of using national support funds" (3.68 points), and "introduction of the quarantine pass" (3.67 points) received scores in the 3-point range. Negative evaluations were given to "allowing entry of Chinese nationals in the early stages of COVID-19" (2.28 points) and "government compensation for medical volunteers" (2.81 points).

Regarding the government's role in the With-COVID era, many respondents considered "quarantine and health policies" (4.32 points) and "employment and labor policies" (4.24 points) important. Following these were "regional economic revitalization and livelihood stabilization policies" (3.80 points) and "welfare policies" (3.91 points). Among policies related to regional economic revitalization or welfare, "additional disaster relief payments" (3.41 points) and "non-selective support that does not exclude specific groups" (3.63 points) received relatively lower scores.

The report stated, "It was confirmed that public opinion prefers policies that selectively support vulnerable groups and small business owners who were directly hit by COVID-19, rather than broad policies with wide beneficiary coverage such as additional disaster relief payments."

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