The average life expectancy of South Koreans has exceeded the average of the members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

The National Statistical Office said that South Korean baby boys born last year are expected to live an average of 76-point-one years and South Korean baby girls are expected to live an average of 82-point-seven years.

The combined average life expectancy of both male and female babies stood at 79-point-six years, while the current OECD average is 79.

The gap between the life expectancy of South Korean men and women decreased to six-point-six years. The gap has been narrowing over the past decade.

Compared to the previous decade, less of the population died from cerebrovascular diseases, digestive illnesses and traffic accidents, while more lost their lives due to cancer, heart disease and suicide.

[Photo : ]