Review of income distribution data : Korea, the Philippines, and Taiwan

This report covers three geographically proximate Asian countries -- Korea, the Philippines and Taiwan. Following the guidelines provided by the project, this survey consists of three major parts. First, existing studies on income distribution for the three countries are briefly reviewed with emphasis on methodology and on conclusions and findings. Secondly, availability of, and problems with, data relating to income distribution are examined carefully, noting the differences in definitions and classifications among these countries. Also an effort is made to assess the availability of data for consistency checks and for specific interest areas of the joint project. The last chapter deals with some suggestions for particular lines of inquiry for future research, especially in connection with problems of data sources and in view of existing studies on income distribution for this region.