By Bae Keun-min
Staff Reporter

More than 5 million Koreans are living in poverty, with one in every 10 people surviving on an income below minimum living expenses.

According to a survey by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on Wednesday, the number of people below the poverty line was estimated to surpass the 5-million mark this year, up from 4.6 million in 2003.

The poor include those who earn less than the minimum living costs and those who make less than 1.36 million won per month.

The minimum living expenses were determined to be 908,000 won per month for a three-member household and 1.14 million won for a four-member household.

South Korea has a population of 48.29 million, which indicates that one in 9.65 people is living in poverty.

``The exact number of the poor will be released at the end of next month, after completing the survey,’’ a ministry official said.

The increase is attributable to the widening gap between the rich and the poor amid the prolonged economic slump.

As soon as the study is concluded, the government will take measures to help those in need, the official added.

The ministry also plans to expand subsidies to low-income households, and to citizens aged 65 and older and to children under 18.

So far, people, who make less than the minimum living costs, have benefited from government support.

Children under 12 years old and people suffering incurable or rare diseases in poor families have benefited from the aid program.

The national health insurance program covered at least 85 percent of medical costs for a low-income patient.

The ministry is considering expanding the scope for destitute families so that more people living in poverty can get more state support.

kenbae@koreatimes.co.kr