By Jane Han
Staff Reporter

Although Korea may be one of the world's most rapidly ageing societies, don't expect people here to live up to that frail title, as a recent survey shows that an overwhelming majority of working men and women are all for playing little tricks to stay looking younger.

Over 91 percent of 1,282 respondents in an online recruiter's survey said they welcome altering lifestyles to look more vibrant than their age.

This willingness, dubbed ``Shangri-La Syndrome,'' is derived from English writer James Hilton's novel ``Lost Horizon,'' which features the fictional, utopian Shangri-La where people don't age.

On why they opted for a younger look, 34 percent said because it helps them react quickly to changes, while less than 20 percent said because it looks attractive and 18 percent said a young appearance gives them a competitive edge.

Contrarily, 61 percent of those who said ageing was fine said it's best to look your age, 10 percent said trying too hard to stay young seems immature and 6 percent said those efforts cost too much money.

And the money factor seems true, as a majority of respondents (33 percent) said they invest about 100,000-200,000 won per month to keep themselves looking vivacious, while the hardcore crowd (7 percent) of the Shangri-La Syndrome said they spend about 500,000 won per month.

Exercise was the most popular solution with 47 percent of respondents saying they hit the gym regularly, followed by 36 percent who said television and the Internet are good ways to get in touch with their youthful side. Trying to stay stress-free (33 percent), smiling frequently (30 percent) and enjoying hobbies (26 percent) were among other answers, according to Saramin.

So how much of these efforts are paying off?

More than half (57 percent) said they look younger than their age, 30 percent said their looks match the number of years, while 14 percent, in disappointment, said they appear older than their actual age.

jhan@koreatimes.co.kr