What Does It Mean to Be Wealthy in South Korea? A 2025 Perspective

When you think of "wealthy" individuals in South Korea, what comes to mind? In 2025, the standard for being considered wealthy in South Korea is owning financial assets worth over 1 billion KRW (approximately 800,000 USD). Based on this criterion, there are approximately 461,000 wealthy individuals in South Korea, which accounts for about 0.9% of the total population.

The combined financial assets of these wealthy individuals amount to approximately 2,826 trillion KRW (around 2.3 trillion USD), making up 58.6% of the total household financial assets in the country. On average, a wealthy individual possesses financial assets worth 6.13 billion KRW (approximately 4.9 million USD).

Asset Composition of the Wealthy

The assets of wealthy individuals primarily consist of real estate and financial investments. Real estate accounts for 55.4% of their total assets, while financial assets make up 38.9%. Among their real estate holdings, residential properties are the largest category, comprising 32% of their overall assets.

Sources of Wealth Accumulation

When it comes to how wealth is accumulated, business income leads the way, contributing 32.8% to the total wealth. Real estate investments come in second at 26.3%, followed by labor income at 8.5% and inheritance or gifts at 18.3%.

Investment Interests and Trends

Wealthy individuals in South Korea show a strong interest in managing and growing their assets. Domestic real estate remains their top investment choice, with 40% showing interest in this sector. Following that, 34% of the wealthy express interest in tangible investments such as gold and jewelry, while 30.3% focus on domestic financial investments like stocks and bonds.

The Definition of Wealth Is Always Evolving

The standard for being considered wealthy may change over time due to shifts in economic conditions and societal trends. However, as of 2025, the benchmark is owning financial assets of 1 billion KRW or more. By understanding their asset composition, sources of income, and investment tendencies, we gain a clearer picture of what it means to be wealthy in South Korea today.