South Korea Birth Rate

Korea Bizwire reports that starting January 1, South Korea will offer government-subsidized fertility testing for all adults aged 20 to 49, regardless of marital status. The program, part of measures to address declining birth rates, allows up to three subsidized tests across different age brackets, expanding coverage beyond the current focus on married couples. It includes hormonal and ultrasound tests for women and sperm morphology tests for men, with subsidies available only at designated medical institutions nationwide.

Chosun Biz reports that the government is increasing housing support for newlywed couples with newborns, raising their priority supply rate in private housing from 20% to 35%. This follows measures to combat low birth rates announced in June, aiming to strengthen support for families with young children. The amendment reallocates supply ratios, reducing priority for childless newlywed couples to focus on households with newborns, with up to 16,100 housing units expected to benefit annually under the revised plan.

Express reports that South Korea faces a "national emergency" with the world's lowest birth rate, now at an all time low. Experts warn the population could halve by 2100, threatening the economy and social systems. Despite government spending on subsidies and childcare, young people cite relentless work culture, high living costs, and societal pressures as barriers to having children. Cultural stigmas against nonmarital births and limited paternal involvement exacerbate the challenges, leaving many unwilling to risk their careers or face societal judgment for starting families.

Chosun Daily reports that support for nonmarital childbirth is steadily increasing in South Korea, with 37% of people now in favor, nearly doubling from 21% in 2008. Younger generations lead this shift, with teenagers and those in their 20s showing the highest approval rates, especially among young women, whose support has risen significantly in recent years. These changing attitudes reflect a growing openness to alternative family structures, although nonmarital births remain relatively uncommon in South Korea, influenced by persistent cultural and societal norms.

JoongAng Daily reports that October saw the largest birthrate increase in 14 years, driven by post-pandemic marriages and a rise in second children, marking the fourth consecutive monthly growth. Marriages also surged by 22%, while divorces fell. Despite these gains, deaths continue to outnumber births, resulting in a population decline. Officials express cautious optimism for a potential rebound in the fertility rate, as government incentives aim to combat the persistent trend of delayed or avoided parenthood.

KED Global reports that South Korea has entered the "super-aged society" category ahead of predictions, with 20% of its population now aged 65 or older. This demographic shift, combined with the world's lowest birthrate, underscores the urgency for systematic policy changes, including the establishment of a population strategy department. Efforts by corporations to address declining fertility through incentives have yet to yield significant results, heightening concerns over workforce sustainability and economic stability.

Chosun Biz reports that South Korea’s National Statistical Office has unveiled 61 indicators addressing the low birth rate, including trends, causes, and policy impacts. New metrics such as cohort fertility rates and out-of-wedlock births aim to refine demographic insights. The initiative also incorporates big data and machine learning for experimental statistics and improves census strategies to support population policies effectively.

The Korea Times reports that over half of South Koreans of childbearing age are open to a child-free life, with the sentiment stronger among women, younger adults, and those with unstable jobs. Economic challenges like housing costs and child-rearing expenses significantly deter childbirth. At a Population Forum, experts stressed the importance of stabilizing economic conditions and enhancing work-life balance to counter negative attitudes toward parenthood.

Yonhap News  highlights the sharp rise in single people over 40 in South Korea, with proportions growing sixfold since 2000, reflecting delayed marriages and lifelong singlehood—key contributors to the country’s ultra-low birth rate. Younger generations increasingly view marriage as non-essential, with attitudes shifting toward cohabitation and non-traditional family structures. Economic and caregiving burdens further deter young people from marriage, underscoring societal challenges linked to declining fertility rates.

The Commune   reports that parental leave in South Korea declined for the first time in 2023, down 3% from the previous year. This reflects broader declines in marriages and childbirths amid the country’s ultra-low birth rate. Women accounted for 75% of parental leave takers, with both maternity and paternity leave showing declines. The trend highlights delayed marriage and childbirth, with most parental leave takers being older parents employed by large companies or public sectors.

BusinessWorld   discusses  South Korea’s fertility crisis, driven by state-led family planning, women prioritizing careers, and high parenting costs. Despite extensive financial incentives and matchmaking efforts, birth rates remain stagnant due to gender inequality and societal attitudes. South Korea’s experience underscores the limits of economic measures, pointing to the need for cultural and structural reforms to reverse demographic decline.

Maeil Business Newspaper   reports that amid the fallout of December's martial law incident, the Vice Chairman of the Low Fertility and Aging Society Committee stressed that addressing the country’s low birth rate and aging population remains a priority. He announced plans for comprehensive aging measures, including tax reforms, job structures, and senior-friendly housing, to tackle demographic challenges without disruption.

ChosunBiz reports South Korea will be the most aged nation by 2045, with 37.3% of the population aged 65 or older, as per the Low Birth Rate and Aging Society Committee. The rapid aging, driven by low fertility, increased life expectancy, and baby boomer demographics, is expected to exacerbate inequality and hinder sustainability. The committee called for integrated reforms in welfare, employment, and healthcare to address these challenges.

ChosunBiz reports that Daewoo Engineering & Construction has enhanced parental and childcare benefits to address South Korea's low birth rate. Measures include early adoption of expanded infertility leave, increased childbirth allowances, full delivery cost coverage, and a 30% rise in childcare subsidies. Other policies include flexible working hours, paid birthday leave for children under 12, and the new "1+1 parental leave" system, granting extra paid leave for employees extending maternity or paternity leave with annual leave.

Yonhap reports that the number of newlyweds in South Korea fell below 1 million in 2023 for the first time, reaching 974,000, down from 1.03 million in 2022. Nearly half (47.5%) of these couples remain childless, reflecting ongoing demographic challenges. South Korea’s fertility rate also hit a record low of 0.72 in 2023, far below the replacement level of 2.1, driven by high living costs, economic pressures, and shifting social norms.

The Korea Times reports that starting in 2024, South Korea will make C-sections free for all pregnant women under the National Health Insurance Service, eliminating the 5% cost share. This policy aims to support families and boost the birth rate, with C-sections now accounting for 65% of births. Additional measures include child-friendly airport initiatives and parking benefits for larger families.

Yonhap reports  on how South Korea's new parental leave plans aim to address its demographic crisis, targeting 70% of fathers to take leave by 2030, up from 6.8% in 2022. The government also plans to cut childbirth-related career interruptions for women to 10% and raise the fertility rate to 1 by 2030. Measures include expanded parental leave, fertility testing, and enhanced care for premature babies through new emergency centers and a 24-hour transport system.

One India article highlights South Korea's fertility crisis, driven by gender inequality and cultural shifts. Despite government efforts like financial incentives and childcare support, the birth rate remains at an all time low. Experts warn the population could shrink to a third by 2100, worsening economic and social challenges. Women cite unequal household roles and career sacrifices as barriers to family life, while anti-feminist sentiment and low immigration rates hinder solutions.

November 2024 saw South Korea build on its efforts to address the demographic crisis, focusing on innovative work-life balance policies, significant investments in automation, and discussions on societal shifts. The month marked a cautious optimism with signs of a modest recovery in fertility rates and expanded public-private sector collaboration on solutions. Key Highlights: Fertility Rate Rebound: Projected rise to 0.74 in 2024, ending a nine-year decline. Robot Workforce Milestone: Over 10% of the industrial workforce now consists of robots, addressing labor shortages. Work-Life Balance Measures: Extended parental leave, higher subsidies, and flexible work policies for parents introduced. Career Breaks Among Women: Data shows 70% of married women cite child-rearing or pregnancy for career interruptions. IMF Recommendations: Economic reforms suggested to attract foreign talent, improve gender equality, and reduce barriers to childbirth. Cultural Challenges: Survey highlights l...

The Economic Times highlights South Korea’s escalating demographic crisis, driven by a record-low birth rate and declining population. Socio-economic pressures and gender inequality deter family growth, and despite government interventions, experts warn the population could shrink to a third of its current size by the end of the century, endangering the nation’s economic and social stability.