A majority of Koreans believe they live in a society that guarantees gender equality, according to a survey by Korea Research for the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

In the poll of 2,537 adults between October and November, 53.4 percent of respondents felt the genders are treated equally. Among men, the belief is held by 57.2 percent but among women by only 49.5 percent.

The traditional preference for baby boys has vanished completely, with couples these days preferring girls. Some 66.2 percent said they prefer a daughter if they can have only one child, while only 33.8 percent said they want a son.

And 32.1 percent of married couples said they are closer to the wife's family, while only 28.2 percent said they are closer to the husband's.