2005
Demographics, Gender and Poverty
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The Republic of Korea has experienced rapid socioeconomic change during the past three decades. Rapid economic growth and industrialization have accelerated urbanization, and by 2003 about 80% of the population was urbanized.
In the Human Development Index prepared by the United Nations Development Programme (Human Development Report 2004), the Republic of Korea ranks 28th out of 177 nations.
The recent socioeconomic development has transformed the Republic of Korea from a recipient country into a donor country. As a result, WHO and other development partners have gradually changed their role within the country, moving chiefly to liaison and resource mobilization.
Socioeconomic factors, such as poverty and gender, have a decisive impact on national health status and serving as a major cause of health inequalities. The Government of the Republic of Korea has made consistent efforts to prevent these factors from undermining the quality of life of its citizens.
In particular, efforts have been made to sever the link between low income and unequal access to health services. People in the low-income bracket receive state assistance when they suffer from intractable diseases. The Government is extending the coverage of this medical aid.
Gender mainstreaming is another goal of Korean health policy, aiming to eliminate gender-based inequality in health services by reflecting the perspective of women in devising policy measures. To this end, initiatives have been in place to guarantee a minimum standard of living for single mothers, women involved in the sex trade, and female victims of domestic and sexual violence. In addition, health-related legal provisions that are considered at odds with women’s rights will be amended or removed.