Low-Desire Korean Youth vs. Materialistic Chinese Peers: Who Lives Happier?

"Life is not a race, but a journey. Enjoy the scenery along the way." — Anonymous

"New designer bags, limited-edition sneakers, high-end electronics, luxurious travel..." These are the frequent highlights of a friend's life in Shanghai on social media. However, in private conversations, he often vents his frustrations. At 30, with a monthly salary of around 30,000 RMB, he often feels like he's barely making ends meet. Credit card bills and outstanding debts constantly stress him out, and maintaining this seemingly glamorous lifestyle keeps him in a state of anxiety.

"Are your Korean friends the same way?" he asked me, puzzled.

I couldn't help but smile wryly. Among the Korean peers I know, especially those under 30, their lifestyles are notably "low-key." Bags? As long as they can hold things. Shoes? Comfort and durability are key. Electronics? They only need to meet basic needs, without chasing after the latest models. Travel? They prefer lesser-known domestic destinations or local getaways.

This is not an isolated phenomenon. Data from the Korean Statistical Information Service shows that over 70% of Koreans aged 20-35 have extremely low consumption desires, and the savings rate has been steadily increasing over the past decade. In contrast, a survey by the China Consumers Association reveals that over 80% of Chinese youth in the same age group are eager consumers, with a high proportion of their income spent on consumption.

Two neighboring countries, yet such stark differences in consumption attitudes and lifestyles among the same generation.

The low-desire lifestyle of Korean youth has deep social roots:

Economic Stagnation: After decades of rapid growth, the Korean economy has entered a period of stagnation and even decline. Many young people face difficulties in finding jobs and advancing in their careers, leading to cautious spending and a preference for saving.

High Housing Prices: In Seoul, for example, housing prices remain exorbitant, making homeownership a distant dream for many. In the affluent Gangnam district, property prices can exceed tens of thousands of dollars per square meter, deterring young people from purchasing homes and reducing their motivation to spend on improving their living standards.

Intense Social Competition: Korea's education system is notoriously competitive, with pressure starting from kindergarten and continuing into the workplace. Young people work tirelessly to keep their jobs and advance, leaving little time or energy for consumption. This intense competition diminishes their desire for material possessions.

"Minimalist" Culture: The "KonMari" method, which advocates for simplifying life and discarding unnecessary items and desires, is popular in Korea. Influenced by this culture, Korean youth prioritize inner peace and spiritual richness over material accumulation.

In contrast, the materialistic tendencies of Chinese youth are driven by multiple factors:

Consumerism Culture: The rise of social media has flooded young people with consumer information. Advertisements and influencers constantly stimulate their desire to consume, equating a "refined lifestyle" and "quality life" with material possessions. This leads many young people into a cycle of mindless material pursuit.

Easy Credit Access: The proliferation of small loan platforms and installment payment options has made borrowing money easier than ever. This has fueled a culture of overspending, where young people satisfy their immediate material desires without considering their financial capabilities.

Social Evaluation System: In Chinese society, material wealth is often seen as a measure of success. Owning luxury cars, homes, and designer clothing has become a status symbol, pressuring young people to engage in conspicuous consumption to gain social approval and respect.

More importantly, much of the consumption by Chinese youth is not based on actual needs:

A study by Yonsei University in Korea found that about 70% of Korean youths' spending goes towards essential living expenses like housing and food. In China, this proportion may be less than 50%, with more spending on non-essential luxury items and entertainment, which often fail to bring lasting satisfaction.

Through in-depth conversations with young people from both countries, I've noticed significant differences in their attitudes towards life:

Korean youth view their low-desire lifestyle as a rational choice to cope with reality. They seek simple, peaceful lives and believe that excessive material pursuit can lead to losing oneself. A Korean proverb, "Moderation is the best," reflects their life philosophy. They prefer to spend time on activities they genuinely enjoy, such as reading and outdoor sports.

Chinese youth often equate material consumption with a higher quality of life, believing that owning more and better things is essential for an ideal lifestyle. They fear being left behind if they don't keep up with the latest trends, leading to a cycle of overwork and material pursuit that leaves them physically and mentally exhausted.

These differing attitudes result in distinct lifestyles:

Korean youth may lead seemingly ordinary lives—living in small apartments, using public transportation, and eating simple meals. However, they have more spiritual freedom and time to explore their interests without the burden of excessive consumption.

Chinese youth may appear to live rich, vibrant lives—frequenting high-end venues and dressing fashionably. Yet, they may also struggle with anxiety over credit card debts and the pressure to maintain their material lifestyles, losing the opportunity to enjoy life's simple pleasures.

In the long run:

The low-desire lifestyle of Korean youth makes them more resilient during economic instability. They can rely on their savings to navigate crises such as economic downturns or unemployment.

The excessive materialism of Chinese youth makes them vulnerable to economic shocks. A reduction in income can quickly lead to debt crises, affecting their mental health and overall stability.

A report by the Korea Financial Research Institute highlighted that the high savings rate and low consumption desires of Korean youth contribute to the stability of the Korean economy amid global economic fluctuations.

In contrast, the excessive materialism of Chinese youth poses a potential economic risk. If economic growth slows or the job market becomes unstable, many young people may struggle to repay their debts, potentially impacting the financial market and social stability.

Some Chinese youth might argue, "Korean youth have lower salaries and boring lives." However, according to data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), considering purchasing power parity, the average income of young people in Seoul and Chinese first-tier cities is quite similar. The difference lies in the stability and growth potential of their incomes. Korean youth have stable but slowly growing incomes, while Chinese youth have higher growth potential but also greater uncertainty. In this context, the low-desire consumption model of Korean youth appears more prudent.

So, how can Chinese youth break free from the shackles of materialism?

Reevaluate Consumption Needs: Learn from the "minimalist" philosophy of Korean youth and consider whether each purchase is truly necessary. Does a designer bag bring lasting happiness? Are limited-edition sneakers essential for daily life? These are questions worth pondering.

Establish Rational Consumption Habits: Set a cooling-off period before making purchases to avoid impulse buying. Create a reasonable budget and allocate income wisely across different aspects of life to ensure spending stays within one's means.

Pursue Spiritual Richness: Invest more time and energy in activities that enrich the mind and soul, such as reading, learning new skills, and volunteering. A rich spiritual life often brings more lasting and profound happiness than material consumption.

In conclusion, a low-desire lifestyle does not mean a colorless life but rather a pursuit of inner peace and true happiness. The low-desire philosophy of Korean youth is fundamentally about seeking a higher quality of life and personal freedom.

In this uncertain era, those who are not swayed by material desires can truly control their own lives and find happiness.

As someone who has long observed social phenomena in both countries, I sincerely hope that Chinese youth can break free from the trap of material consumption and find their own paths to happiness.

Otherwise, they may face a life overwhelmed by material desires, which is not the future any of us want.

Ultimately, the essence of life lies not in the accumulation of material possessions but in the satisfaction and freedom of the mind.