Appropriate Sebaetdon? 1st Place is 50,000 Won... 2nd Place is 'Not Giving and Not Receiving'

SK Comms Conducts Survey

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Hyunjung] More than 4 out of 10 adults in Korea chose "50,000 won" as the appropriate amount for New Year's money (Sebae money).

SK Communications (SK Comms) conducted a survey through its current affairs polling service 'NateQ' from the 28th of last month to the 4th of this month, targeting 6,044 adult men and women, asking about the "appropriate amount of Sebae money." According to the results announced by SK Comms on the 12th, 43% (2,650 people) of respondents answered "50,000 won," ranking first.

[Image source=Getty Images Bank]

The response that 50,000 won is appropriate was common across all age groups from their 20s to 60s, with over 40% in each group. In particular, 48% of those in their 50s answered this way, showing the highest response rate. Among those in their 60s, who have a smaller economically active population than those in their 50s, 41% answered "50,000 won."

The second place was an unexpected answer reflecting changing social trends. Without considering the appropriate amount of Sebae money, 28% responded "Let's neither give nor receive it" because it is a mutual burden. Regarding this, one netizen commented, "Nowadays, many double-income, no-kids (DINK) couples live without children, and if some always give while others always receive, it creates an uncomfortable relationship," adding, "Not giving or receiving is the best way to avoid burden."

The third place was "10,000 won," chosen by 15% of respondents. Since Sebae money literally means "lucky money," it should be given and received symbolically regardless of the amount. However, contrary to this, a relatively "large amount" of 100,000 won was also considered appropriate by a significant number. Ten percent of respondents said, "The amount is important as much as the sincerity." Especially among those in their 20s, 25% (1 in 4) answered "100,000 won," a higher proportion than other age groups, which is interpreted as them being more often in the position of receiving rather than giving Sebae money.

Regarding the survey results, An Jiseon, team leader of SK Comms Media Service, said, "Despite the ongoing economic downturn and tightened household budgets, it is expected that the 50,000 won bill will be the trend again this Lunar New Year." She added, "As this is the first face-to-face Lunar New Year in three years, we hope it will be a joyful holiday that reminds people of the true meaning of Sebae?conveying blessings and good wishes among family and relatives?rather than the burden caused by Sebae money."