The divorce rate for Korean-Australians are continuing to rise, and have reached over the Australian rate according to the new figures released by The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS). 

The figures revealed that the divorce rate for Korean Australians in 2016 were 2.76 per cent, making up 3,012 people out of 108,997. This is an increase from the 2.4 per cent figure in 2011. 

In addition, the separation rate also increased from 1.1 per cent in 2011, to 1.3 per cent in 2016. 

Comparatively, the divorce rate for Australians have declined from 2.9 per cent in 1996, down to 1.9 per cent in 2016. 

For Korean-Australians, the highest divorce rate of 8.7 per cent went to those who were in their 50s. This figure made up 842 people. 

The 60s age group followed with 8.6 per cent, making up 408 people. The divorce rate for 70s was 7.1 per cent of 177 people, and 80s was 5.5 per cent of 45 people. 

For the younger age groups, the divorce rate for 40s was 5.7 per cent of 985 people, 30s was 1.9 per cent of 481 people, and 20s was 0.3 per cent of 69 people. 

Counsellor Lah In-Ah from then Eden Recovery Counselling Centre said the main reasons of divorce for Korean-Australian’s included gambling and alcohol addiction, financial problems, and difficulties in settling into Australia. 

“There are surprisingly many instances of gambling and alcohol addiction among the Korean community in Australia. Large portion of men in their 40s and 50s find difficulty in finding jobs because of their limited English. This leads to financial problems, ultimately becoming a problem in the family,” Ms Lah said. 

“Also, families with working parents face communication difficulties, and may cause friction between couples,” she added.