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Seven out of 10 unmarried women think work is more important than marriage, according to a local survey conducted by the government.
In a survey by local research firm Embrain of 1,000 adults aged from 19 to 69 from Oct. 24 to Oct 26, 54. 2 percent of total respondents said they could give up marriage in order to be successful in their career _ 69.9 percent of unmarried women held this opinion.
The survey was commissioned by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in order to look into Koreans' thoughts and awareness on the problems of a low birth rate and an aging society.
Asked if they felt a responsibility to have children, only 38 percent of those who were childless said yes.
However, 91 percent of all respondents said having children is necessary and 80 percent said that the desirable number of children was more than one.
While 81 percent said that they can relate to the rapidly aging society, 44 percent said that they relate themselves to low birth rates.
Although 57 percent said the government's expansion of support is most important to tackle low birth problems, only 20 percent agreed on increasing tax to solve the problems.
Only 58.1 percent of unmarried women said they think marriage is necessary whereas 71.2 percent of unmarried men though so.
As for the appropriate age range for men's marriage, 65.2 percent said 30 to 34, while for women, 77. 6 percent said 25 to 29.
As for reasons for having children, 60.9 percent said that it is vital for having feelings of satisfaction and fulfillment and 27.2 percent said it is necessary for keeping peace in the family. In addition, 6.7 percent said that it would be lonely to be without children when they get old.
As the strongest image they get from ``old man,'' 11.8 percent said ``weak,'' followed by ``lonely'' with 10.6 percent, and ``poor'' with 3.9 percent.
One out of two said they are financially preparing for their old age. As for the preparation methods, 30.3 percent picked savings, followed by insurance with 29.1 percent, national pension with 19.4 percent and real estate, funds and stocks with 16.2 percent.
The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 3. 1 percent at a 95 percent confidence level, Embrain said.
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