Reconciling Tradition and Modernity: Addressing Dementia Care Challenges in South Korea’s Aging Society

Abstract ―​

South Korea is rapidly transitioning into a super-aged society, with citizens over 65 projected to compose 20 percent of the population by 2025 and 37 percent by 2045. The exponentially increasing senior population has intensified the prevalence of dementia, creating significant challenges for caregivers and exposing the deficiencies of the elderly care system. Despite government initiatives such as the National Dementia Plan and the Dementia Responsibility System, issues like inadequate infrastructure, insufficient caregiver support, and a growing number of elderly individuals living alone continue to threaten the nation’s growing senior population. This paper examines the underlying causes of these challenges by tracing the societal shift from Confucian filial piety to modern individualism. Historically deeply rooted in family obligations, South Korean society struggles to reconcile traditional values with a more contemporary lifestyle, introducing a societal problem referred to as Shin-goryeo jang, modern elder abandonment. This paper explores the shortcomings of the current policies and contrasts South Korea’s approach with successful dementia care models in countries such as the United States. Reviewing the policies, the paper provides a recommendation for future steps: to prioritize dementia as a primary public health issue, address end-of-life care gaps, and adopt a balanced framework for care interventions. By facing and embracing the reality of modern individualism in South Korea, the country can foster systematic improvements to support its aging population and mitigate issues stemming from dementia.