High-risk drinking among women 30+ increases in South Korea, while men's rates decline: health survey

High-risk alcohol consumption is on the rise among South Korean women aged 30 and older, a trend that has emerged over the last ten years. This contrasts sharply with men, where high-risk drinking has seen a decline across all age demographics during the same period. The findings stem from an in-depth analysis of drinking behaviors based on the 2025 Community Health Survey, a national health statistics initiative conducted annually by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency and local health centers. The survey, which gathers data from approximately 230,000 adults aged 19 and above, provides crucial insights into regional health levels and behaviors to inform public health policies. The analysis specifically focused on monthly drinking rates, monthly binge drinking rates, and high-risk drinking rates, revealing significant shifts in the nation's drinking landscape. Last year, about 57.1% of adults reported drinking at least once a month.