S.Koreans smoke, drink more in slump

(AFP PHOTO/JUNG YEON-JE)

Growing stress from the economic slump led South Koreans to smoke and drink more last year, a news report said Monday, quoting a health ministry survey.

The survey found 47.7 percent of male adults and 7.4 percent of female adults smoking last year, up from 45 and 5.3 percent respectively a year earlier.

Some 74.6 percent of males and 44.9 percent of females drank twice or more a month last year, up from 73.5 and 41.5 percent a year earlier.

Yonhap news agency attributed the rise to worsening economic conditions which placed people under heavier stress as jobs and incomes dwindled.

Ministry officials said the survey did not elaborate on possible causes.