Cash gifts sent to parents during the Chuseok holiday averaged 213,000 won ($153), while parents gave their children an average of 114,000 won, according to an analysis of money transfer data.
Kakao Pay said on the 21st that its review of "money envelope" transfers during the Chuseok periods from 2021 through 2025 showed the average amount sent to the parents' generation last year was 213,000 won. That marks a 38% increase over four years from an average of 154,000 won in 2021.
The amount rose with the sender's age last year. Senders in their 20s gave an average of 190,000 won, those in their 30s gave 220,000 won and those in their 40s gave 243,000 won.
Holiday money flowing the other way also grew. The average amount parents sent to their children reached 114,000 won last year, up 16% from 2021. By the recipient's age, teenagers received 86,000 won, those in their 20s got 119,000 won and those in their 30s received 170,000 won.
Students have seen steady gains as well. Middle school students received an average of 71,000 won last year, high school students 86,000 won and university students 91,000 won. Middle school students posted the largest increase among students, with their average up 37% from 2021.
Most people set holiday cash gifts at the same level every year. In a poll of 23,322 users by Pay Attention, Kakao Pay's financial brand journal, 48% said they give the same amount annually. Another 30% said they adjust for inflation, and 21% said they consult siblings or a spouse.
