86.6% of Gyeonggi Residents Say Cost of Living Increase Is Serious

According to a recent survey, 9 out of 10 residents of Gyeonggi Province perceive the rise in the cost of living as "serious."

On July 25, the Gyeonggi Lifelong Education Promotion Agency released the results of a survey conducted last month on 500 residents aged 19 and older, titled "Impact of Price Increases on Livelihood and Demand for Lifelong Education." The survey found that 86.6% of respondents answered that they feel the rise in living costs is "very serious" or "somewhat serious."

The perception of seriousness was especially high among women (90.3%) and people in their 30s (88.5%). Among low-income households with a monthly income below 2,760,000 won, 40.3% responded that they feel the situation is "very serious."

Additionally, 70.4% of respondents said that rising prices are affecting their livelihoods. Of these, 19.0% said their situation is "very difficult," while 51.4% said it is "somewhat difficult."

Survey on the Impact of Rising Prices on Livelihoods and Demand for Lifelong Education by Gyeonggi-do Institute for Lifelong Education Promotion

When asked which items should be prioritized in price stabilization policies, "eggs" (41.2%) were cited most frequently, followed by rice (18.2%), vegetables (13.4%), and pork (9.4%).

In early July, the retail price for 30 large eggs was 7,089 won, a 9.4% increase compared to 6,479 won during the same period last year. This is the first time in four years, since 2021, that egg prices have exceeded 7,000 won.

When asked about their willingness to participate in educational programs in response to rising prices, 59.8% answered positively. The most frequently cited topic needed was "understanding economic trends and price structures" (54.0%).

The Gyeonggi Lifelong Education Promotion Agency announced that it would consider actively utilizing the government's voucher system, the "Lifelong Education Voucher," to provide residents with necessary economic education programs.

The Lifelong Education Voucher is a program that supports up to 350,000 won per person for course fees and textbook costs, allowing any resident to participate in lifelong learning without financial barriers.