Longitudinal Evidence on the Income Replacement Ratio in Korea

Abstract

This study reviewed the income and consumption at both before and after retirement, spending patterns and about specific retirement plans to maintain the living standard as before retirement of couples over 50 years of age (if spouseless, then just the individual) using the 1st and 3rd wave of Korean Retirement and Income Study. According to this study, firstly the income of retired couples in their mid to elderly ages reduced by 55% before their retirements but their spending only reduced by 8%. Secondly, The target replacement rate for Korean retired couples is 84% of the income they were earning before retirement and only 31% of the retirees in their mid to elderly ages achieved such a goal. Lastly, the estimated number of retirees who actually achieved higher income level then what they were earning before retiring had longer working lives or were receiving forms of public pension or were being financially supported by their families. The above results showed that preparation for retirement is still very weak in Korea and the tendency to depend on the family still remains in the society. The results demonstrate that each individual’s effort to review their status and prevent drastic declination of living standard after retirement is strongly needed.