Seoulites want to work fewer hours, take more time for leisure: Survey

A survey by the Seoul Metropolitan Government found that most residents in Seoul support introducing a 4.5-day workweek. The 2025 Seoul Survey, which studies residents’ quality of life and social attitudes, showed that many people feel they do not have enough time for leisure. Satisfaction with leisure life slightly dropped, and about 39.2 percent of respondents said the main reason for dissatisfaction was a lack of time due to work.

The results also showed that fewer people feel they have a good work-life balance. The percentage of residents who said they balance work and life well decreased from 37.8 percent to 29.9 percent. At the same time, more people said they are focusing mostly on work. Because of this, 54.5 percent of respondents supported a 4.5-day workweek, which was higher than support for a four-day workweek. Many believe this system would give them more time for hobbies and relaxation.

The survey also revealed other lifestyle trends. A large majority of residents—86.3 percent—said they have used AI services, showing that technology is widely adopted across age groups. In addition, most residents are preparing financially for retirement through pensions, savings and insurance. The survey suggests that people in Seoul are increasingly concerned about balancing work, technology and preparation for old age.

Edited using generative AI tools.
Source:https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2026-03-04/national/socialAffairs/Seoulites-want-to-work-fewer-hours-take-more-time-for-leisure-Survey/2536710

Comprehension

What work schedule did a majority of Seoul residents support in the survey?
What was the main reason many residents were dissatisfied with their leisure time?
How has the percentage of people who feel they have good work-life balance changed?
Which age group showed the strongest support for the 4.5-day workweek?
What are the common ways residents are preparing financially for retirement?

Discussion

Do you think a 4.5-day workweek would improve people’s quality of life? Why or why not?
What are the advantages and disadvantages of shorter working hours?
Why do you think people in their 30s strongly support changes in work schedules?
How can companies help employees achieve a better work-life balance?
Do you think technology, like AI services, makes people’s lives easier or busier? Explain.
How do work habits in your country compare with those in Seoul?
What activities would people do if they had more free time during the week?
Why is it important for people to start preparing for retirement early?

Vocabulary

Survey – A study that collects information from many people.
Leisure – Free time when you are not working.
Work-life balance – The balance between time for work and time for personal life.
Retirement – The time when a person stops working because of age.
Adopt – To start using or accepting something new.