Abstract

Since the 1960s, post-Korean War, South Korea has achieved remarkable economic success and has experienced many transformations such as urbanization, democratization, demographic transition, and changes in family life and culture. Older Koreans living today are the generation which has experienced all of these dynamic changes. While the traditional norm for old-age support in South Korea was family-centered support based on filial piety, the obligation to care for older adults has shifted from adult children to individuals and society. Although the current older Korean generation had responsibilities for supporting their older parents, they do not expect significant support from their children for their old age. South Korea has developed a number of social and health services and programs for older adults within a relatively short period time. However, due to the rapid pace of the aging population, some old-age support systems such as pension and long-term care have not matured enough. As the quickly aging population is projected to continue throughout the next several decades, significant effort is still needed to reflect the increasing needs of the older population.