South Korea tops the ranking of long commutes: what are the consequences for mental health

South Korea topped the world ranking for the longest commutes

South Korea has become the country with the longest average daily commutes for work and errands. This can have a negative impact on the mental health of its residents, potentially leading to loneliness and social isolation. This was reported by The Korea Herald.

A study published in the journal Environmental Research Letters analyzed data from 43 countries, covering more than half of the world's population.

The average time that South Koreans spend on the road is 1 hour and 48 minutes a day, which is 40 minutes more than the world average (1 hour and 8 minutes).

For many residents of Seoul, this routine has become the norm. I have already gotten used to it, but I feel exhausted when I get home. They just have time to eat and go to bed, shares his impressions Lee Han-su (34 years old).

Doctors warn that long commutes can negatively affect mental health. For example, a study conducted in September involving more than 24,000 office workers in Seoul found that commutes lasting over 60 minutes increase the risk of loneliness in both family and broader social relationships.

• The risk of loneliness in family relationships increases by 49% for those who commute longer than 60 minutes.
• The risk of loneliness in broader social relationships increases by 36% for those who spend over an hour on the road.

Member of the South Korean People's Power Party, Yoo Yong-ha, stated that drawing gorillas on paper during meetings helps him cope with stress.

This lengthy commuting duration can have serious implications for the mental health of South Koreans, increasing the risk of loneliness and social isolation.