"Whew, What a Burden"... As the Holiday Nears, It's All About Money: "100,000 Won for Teens, 220,000 Won for Parents"

Kakao Pay Releases Remittance Envelope Data and Survey Results

Ahead of the Lunar New Year holidays, a survey found that Korean adults consider "New Year's money" to be the most burdensome factor. Actual spending on New Year's money has also been increasing every year.

New Year's money. Getty Image Bank

On the 10th, Kakao Pay released an analysis of its Lunar New Year remittance envelope data along with user survey results. According to the survey conducted through "Pay Attention," Kakao Pay's lifestyle-focused financial brand journal, respondents ranked "New Year's money and various expenses" as the No. 1 burden during the Lunar New Year. Although the holidays are a time to enjoy with family and relatives, this shows that many people feel significant pressure from cash outlays and various holiday-related costs.

In fact, the amount of New Year's money has been on the rise in recent years. An analysis of Kakao Pay's Lunar New Year remittance envelope data showed that, as of 2025, the most common amount of New Year's money that middle and high school students received via Lunar New Year remittance envelopes was 100,000 won. Up to 2024, 50,000 won (39%) slightly exceeded 100,000 won (37%). However, last year 100,000 won (42%) overtook 50,000 won (37%).

Spending on holiday allowance given to parents was also found to be substantial. Among respondents in their 20s to 40s, the average amount of holiday allowance sent to parents via Lunar New Year remittance envelopes was calculated at 227,000 won. By age group, those in their 20s spent an average of 190,000 won, those in their 30s 220,000 won, and those in their 40s 230,000 won, showing a slight increase in spending as age rises.