Happiness of female citizens in Seoul rated 2.67 out of 5: report

Women in Seoul gave an average 2.67 on a scale of one to five in grading their level of happiness, according to a report released Sunday by the Seoul Foundation of Women and Family, a city-affiliated policy developer and evaluator.

Among the total of nine categories covered in the report, personal satisfaction in city life (3.23) and safety (3.07) received the highest scores while co-prosperity (2.29) and care (2.36) were among the lowest rated categories.

The participants also rated sub-categories such as health status and living environment. They also rated happiness in personal satisfaction with city life; safety from danger when walking on streets at night and from natural disaster; recognition of social minorities including the disabled; and support for child care and for their parents.

Among the 23 sub-categories, mental and physical health was graded the highest with 3.37 points followed by safety from natural disaster with 3.28.

However, support for women and the elderly (2.01), assistance for taking care of parents (2.08) and policies for daycare centers (2.16) were rated the lowest.

Residential and financial stability were rated below average.

The city-backed organization surveyed 1,500 women aged 20 to 60 last August.

The participants said in the report that more measures for stable incomes, high-quality jobs, and more public rental houses should be included in family support policies.

By Kim Young-won (wone0102@heraldcorp.com)