The social trust level of South Koreans is below average, reflecting their growing concerns about their quality of life and the widening income gap, a study showed Sunday.

According to a survey conducted by the state-run Korea Institute of Health and Social Affairs, the level of social trust was 4.59 on a scale of zero to 10, below the average level of 5.

For the study, 3,648 men and women aged 19 or above were surveyed in July and August, the agency said.

Social trust, a sociology term, refers to social capital that reduces transaction costs and collective action problems, and contributes to economic and political development.

By age, the level of confidence in society was higher among seniors while respondents in their 30s had the lowest level at 4.26. The level of social trust was lower among those who regarded themselves as low-income earners.

In terms of quality of life, respondents’ satisfaction level was 5.33 on average. Satisfaction levels were also higher among older respondents, those who received higher education and those who perceive themselves as belonging to the upper income bracket.

The study showed that the level of social trust is correlated with income inequality and people’s life satisfaction level, the agency said.

The survey revealed that the level of social trust was low among respondents discontented with their quality of life and those who believe that income inequality is widening.

To achieve social integration by improving the level of social trust, researchers suggested narrowing the income gap and helping people pursue a stable life.

“The level of social trust could be partially improved by achieving stable and fair distribution,” said Chung Hae-shik, a researcher at KIHASA, who led the survey.

Stressing that such a goal could create a significant financial burden, Chung said that first of all social discussions should take place about the sharing of financial resources.

By Cho Chung-un (christory@heraldcorp.com)