Average height of Koreans
How tall is the Korean average? What is the average height of North Koreans? These questions often pique our curiosity, and today, we are here to provide you with answers.
The pursuit of heights—literally—is a universal desire for many. We all appreciate that feeling of being on top of the world. But, in South Korea, there’s an intriguing twist to this aspiration, one that delves into societal dynamics and discrimination. Did you know that height can play a significant role in how individuals are perceived and treated in Korean society?
In this post, we will not only explore the statistics behind the average height of Koreans but also dive into the fascinating world of the “MUST TIGHT” culture that has evolved around this physical attribute. Join us as we uncover the nuances of height in Korean society and gain a deeper understanding of how it shapes lives and perceptions in this vibrant and diverse culture.
Current height status of Koreans
In the annals of history, Koreans were often recognized for their relatively short stature, which situated them among the more diminutive populations in Asia. However, the contemporary perspective presents a narrative of striking transformation, a story unlike any other in the world. Recent research conducted in the United Kingdom has unveiled an astonishing evolution in the height of Koreans, marking it as the most substantial increase observed globally over the past century.
This comprehensive study encompassed individuals aged 18 and above, spanning a time frame from 1914 to 2014, and spanning across 200 diverse nations. The results of this investigation are nothing short of breathtaking. The average height of Korean women has surged from a modest 142.2 centimeters to an impressive 162.3 centimeters. A century ago, Korean women ranked as the fifth shortest among the 200 nations under scrutiny. By 2014, they had ascended to the 55th position. Notably, Korean men also underwent a significant increase in height, soaring from an average of 159.8 centimeters to an impressive 174.9 centimeters.
According to data from Statista, the average height of Koreans in the age group of 20 to 29 in 2018 further solidified this remarkable transformation, with men standing at an average of 173.8 centimeters and women at 161.4 centimeters. This dramatic shift in height trends among Koreans stands as a testament to their evolving lifestyle and health conditions, positioning them as one of the most remarkable examples of human physical evolution in recent history.
Why do Koreans grow in height so fast
The remarkable phenomenon of rapid height growth among Koreans can be attributed to a multifaceted interplay of economic development, government initiatives, social consciousness, and societal pressures.
Economic Development’s Role:
Height growth in Korea is intricately linked to the nation’s astounding economic progress during the latter half of the 20th century. Global data from 1810 to 1989 reveals a correlation coefficient of +0.64 between average height and income per capita, illustrating that prosperity is synonymous with stature. Economic advancements have enabled Koreans to access more nutritious food sources, thereby bolstering their physical fitness.
Government’s Health Promotion:
The Korean government has commendably invested in enhancing the physical well-being of its citizens. In the 1970s, they launched the New Rural Development Program, focusing on healthcare awareness and dietary improvements, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, a nationwide health insurance program was introduced, emphasizing leg length development and encouraging daily milk consumption in schools, complemented by protein-rich supplements.
Height-Conscious Culture:
Modern Korean society places a significant emphasis on body development, particularly among the youth and parents. Extracurricular activities aimed at height enhancement and regular medical check-ups for children are common practices. Koreans are willing to explore medical interventions during childhood to ensure their offspring attain desired heights in adulthood.
Height Obsession in Social Life:
Height has evolved from an individual trait to a societal benchmark in Korea. It is a source of social recognition, and parents often prioritize their child’s height over substantial financial investments. The infamous comment made by a female university student in 2009, deeming men shorter than 180 cm as “losers,” exemplifies the societal fixation on height.
Growth Hormone and Supplements:
The demand for growth hormone and nutritional supplements for children has created a lucrative market in Korea. Between 2017 and 2018, the children’s supplement market surged from 6.7 billion won to 20.7 billion won. Parents often opt for hormone injections for children showing signs of growth issues, although this approach is costly and lacks guaranteed results.
Height Growth Centers:
Korean parents enroll their children in height growth centers, where trainers conduct exercises aimed at increasing height. The pressure to achieve a taller stature is driven by societal expectations and the belief that appearance plays a pivotal role in life’s opportunities.
Societal and Personal Pressures:
Height-related judgments based on appearance, in addition to academic stress, contribute to an immense societal pressure in Korea. Individuals below average height often grapple with feelings of inferiority, impacting various aspects of life, including dating, job searches, and marriage. While height may not be everything, it undeniably influences one’s quality of life in Korean society.
In conclusion, the rapid height growth among Koreans is a complex interplay of economic prosperity, government initiatives, societal consciousness, and the pervasive influence of height on various facets of life in Korean society.
