How South Korea is tackling its super-aging problem – and what other aging nations can learn from its experience

South Korea’s unusually rapid transition to a super-aged society means it has had little time to find solutions for pension funding and healthcare for the elderly.

By: Jeongmin Park, Penn State and Alexis R. Santos, Penn State, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: September 15, 2026

Words: 1,599

Last Updated: 1 month ago

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By Jeongmin Park, Penn State and Alexis R. Santos, Penn State

In December 2024, the share of South Koreans ages 65 and older surpassed 20% for the first time, making it what demographers like us call a “super-aged society.” By August 2026 that share had risen further, to 22.1%.

That label can sound like a diagnosis, but population aging is not inherently a problem. In part, it reflects demographic progress: Fewer people are …

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