The difference between life expectancy at birth for females and males in Korea is approximately how many years?

• A. 6.0 years
• B. 5.0 years
• C. 4.0 years
• D. 7.0 years

Answer: (A)

Gender differences in life expectancy at birth show a persistent gap where females live longer than males. In Korea, the difference is about six years, with women expected to reach older ages than men on average. This comes from a combination of factors: historically higher smoking and related diseases among men, greater exposure to risky occupations, and patterns in health care use where women tend to engage more with preventive services, along with biological nuances that contribute to longer female longevity. The six-year figure sits within the typical range seen in many high-income countries, where the female advantage is usually around five to seven years.