Young salaried workers believe a degree from a prestigious university is the most important factor for success. Recruitment portal Job Korea asked 1,155 workers in their 20s and 30s what the most important criteria for success are, and 23.4 percent of respondents cited educational background.

Financial background came second with 21.6 percent, appearance third with 20.3 percent, followed by interpersonal skills and networking at 12.5 percent and family background at 10.2 percent.

Only 7.3 percent named diligence and hard work and 3.6 percent answered intelligence.

While men tended to value a degree from a prestigious school most at 26.8 percent, 26.9 percent of women chose appearance.