Do We Pay More 'Taxes' Compared to Benefits in Our Country? ... This Is What the People Think

Survey on Perceptions of Social Security Demand and Expenditure Burden Levels

Two out of three South Koreans believe they pay too much in taxes compared to the social security benefits they receive, according to a survey.

This is from the 'Analytical Basis Study for Detecting and Responding to Social Security Financial Crisis' (Ko Je-i et al.) report by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, published on the 17th. The research team commissioned the Korea Data Institute to conduct an online survey from September 7 to October 4 last year, targeting 3,038 individuals aged 19 to 79.

Two out of three of our citizens believe that they pay too much in taxes compared to social security benefits. [Image source=Getty Images]

Regarding the level of tax burden compared to social security benefits, 43.1% of respondents answered that they pay 'somewhat too much,' and 23.8% said they pay 'too much.' In total, 66.9% of respondents, or two out of three people, felt that their tax burden was high relative to the benefits.

Additionally, more people said they would not pay additional taxes or social insurance premiums even if welfare benefits increased, compared to those who said they would be willing to pay more if benefits were expanded.

Those who said they would pay more taxes or premiums if welfare support increased for infants, elementary school students, people with disabilities, and the elderly showed relatively higher numbers, but even this group did not exceed half of the respondents.

The willingness to pay additional amounts was lowest for expanding support programs for the unemployed and marginal workers, as well as for expanding general public support programs such as health insurance.

The report analyzed, "Due to recent price instability and interest rate hikes, households have limited actual capacity to bear additional tax burdens," and confirmed that "the willingness of the public to bear additional burdens to support what they consider an appropriate level of social security expenditure is low."

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