Although today most university students don't have a fixed income, they are enjoying consumer life quite freely. Their consumption trends have a lot of impact on society and the economy. But most students still depend on their parents to support their consumption activity.
According to a survey at one university in 2008, Korean university students spend a monthly average of 200-400 thousand won. This is the second highest rate of spending following people in their the thirties. Their main consumer spending appears in order: food expenses, entertainment expenses, cultural living expenses, clothing expenses and transportation expenses. Also about 24% of students receive an allowance and 50% of students receiving an allowance have worked a part-time job, while only 27% of students earn all their own expense money.
In Korea students spend 86.8% of their allowance in a month. This is higher than the United States of America and Japan. But about 40% of students don't save in any way. This is also conspicuously lower than the United States and Japan.
Recently, excessive consumption problems are a big issue and there are neologisms for it, as we say Doenjang Girl or Doengaing boy. They wish to show off to others and adorn themselves with expensive goods and services even though there is no ability to pay. It brings a negative impact on the social side as well as the personal side. This abnormal consumption reduces one's savings and increases one's debt.
For a better future for students we need education about correct consumer behavior and to establish reasonable consumption values.

Kim Do-yeon  KIMDOYEON@changwon.ac.kr

<저작권자 © The Campus Journal, 무단 전재 및 재배포 금지>