South Korea Birth Rate

The Independent reports that South Korea’s fertility rate rose to 0.75 in 2024, its first increase since 2015, driven by a 15% rise in marriages and delayed pandemic weddings. Despite this, the rate remains far below replacement level, fueling demographic concerns. School closures continue, with 49 shutting down in 2025, and the country is now a "super-aged" society, with 20% of the population over 65. Officials stress the need for deeper policy changes.

MenaFM reports that 49 schools across South Korea will close this year due to declining student numbers, up from 22 in 2023 and 33 in 2024. Rural areas account for 88% of closures, with the highest numbers in South Jeolla (10), South Chungcheong (9), and North Jeolla (8). Elementary schools are the most affected, making up 38 of the closures. No schools in Seoul are set to shut down.

The Chosun Daily  reports that South Korea's workforce is shrinking, with up to 60,000 fewer jobs projected this year. The boost from the early 1990s birth cohort is fading, while the much smaller early 2000s generation enters the job market. Key industries, especially manufacturing, face instability as younger workers dwindle. Experts warn that worsening labor shortages could slow economic growth, urging policies to reintegrate workers sidelined by caregiving.

The Times reports  ( archive ) that South Korea’s birth rate has risen by 15%, fueled by government incentives like housing, tax breaks, and childcare support. Cities such as Gwangyang and Hwaseong have seen notable increases in marriages and births through targeted local policies. National figures also show a year-on-year rise, but the fertility rate remains critically low. While this shift offers hope, experts caution that long-term sustainability depends on continued policy support and social change.

The  Korea Herald reports that Nobel-winning economist Claudia Goldin attributes South Korea’s fertility crisis to outdated gender roles at home. Despite economic modernization, women still handle nearly three more hours of housework daily than men. Goldin argues that financial incentives alone cannot fix the issue, as rigid workplace norms and low paternity leave uptake leave women carrying the childcare burden, making parenthood less viable.

The  Korea Herald reports that reducing South Korea’s standard workweek from 40 to 35 hours could help boost the birth rate by improving work-life balance. A Gyeonggi Research Institute study found long working hours deter family planning, with dual-income households wanting shorter workdays. Researchers suggest public institutions lead by adopting reduced hours, though policymakers are also considering extending work limits in strategic industries.

The Korea Times reports that a senior presidential committee emphasized the need to attract more foreigners as part of a broader strategy to address South Korea's population crisis. While previous policies have focused on raising birth rates, the committee argued for a more comprehensive approach, including creating environments that attract foreign talent, particularly in advanced industries. With demographic shifts driven by social changes, economic pressures, and low fertility, officials see immigration as a key factor in maintaining workforce stability.

United Press International  reports that Seoul's government hosted a Valentine's Day matchmaking event to help singles connect, recognizing the lack of dating opportunities as a factor in the country's declining birth rate. The event, featuring art-based interactions and icebreaker games, drew over 2,300 applicants for 100 spots. Officials plan three more events this year, hoping to encourage relationships and long-term demographic stability.

Chosun Biz reports that South Korean banks are expanding childcare support to address declining birth rates and workforce retention. Woori Bank will introduce four-hour workdays for parents of young children, with similar policies at Shinhan and NH Nonghyup. Banks also offer childbirth incentives, reaching up to 20 million won. These measures aim to support working parents while securing future customers amid concerns over population decline and its impact on real estate and banking.

Korea  JoongAng Daily reports that plummeting student numbers are forcing many Korean single-sex schools to go coed to survive. In 2025, 32 schools are expected to make the transition, with government subsidies supporting the shift due to worsening gender imbalances in classrooms. Schools face logistical challenges, including facility upgrades and resistance from alumni and parents, but many that have gone coed report increased enrollment and improved student behavior.

The Korea Times reports that Seoul will provide 1 million won ($685) to newlywed couples who register their marriage in the city this year, aiming to sustain the recent rebound in birth rates. The policy targets couples earning below 150% of the median income, with potential expansion to 180%. Officials attribute the birth rate increase to post-pandemic marriages and existing family support programs. The subsidy is set for distribution as early as October.

Financial Times reports that Busan, South Korea’s second-largest city, is experiencing a rapid population decline as young residents leave for Seoul, worsening an already severe demographic crisis. Once an industrial hub, Busan is now classified as “at risk of extinction” due to an aging population and a shrinking workforce. Despite proposals for regional visas and economic revitalization, experts warn that without broader structural reforms, migration to Seoul will continue, deepening South Korea’s demographic challenges.

JoongAng Daily  reports that South Korea’s elementary school enrollment has hit a historic low, reflecting the ongoing decline in birth rates. Nationwide, new student numbers continue to fall, forcing school closures, particularly in Seoul and provincial areas. Some schools now have only one incoming student, while others have none. Authorities are repurposing closed schools for community use as the shrinking school-age population accelerates the trend.

Chosun Biz reports that key policies to address South Korea’s low birth rate remain stalled due to political gridlock. The planned Population Strategy Planning Department is delayed, with budget cuts raising concerns over policy gaps. Efforts to integrate kindergartens and childcare centers face stakeholder conflicts, while tax incentives for work-life balance remain blocked in committee.

Asia Times argues that South Korea’s low birth rate is a key factor in its worsening demographic crisis, threatening long-term stability and economic growth. With an ageing population, a shrinking workforce, and declining domestic consumption, policymakers are struggling to reverse the trend despite incentives. The article argues that India, with its young workforce and growing market, could be a crucial partner in addressing South Korea’s demographic and economic challenges, offering labor solutions and trade opportunities that neither the U.S. nor Japan can provide.

The Korean Herald reports that Democratic Party lawmaker Jin Seong-jun is urging discussions to raise the legal retirement age amid South Korea's demographic challenges. Citing a shrinking working-age population due to a low birth rate and rapid aging, Jin argues that aligning retirement with the future National Pension eligibility age is vital to address labor shortages. He also highlights the need for clear policies on employment terms and cost-sharing to support this transition.

Brunel University London reports that South Korea’s fertility decline may be linked to past tax hikes. Researchers found that major tax increases in the 1970s reduced disposable income, discouraging childbirth, while tax cuts in the 1990s eased this impact. They warn that high taxes contribute to demographic challenges and suggest family-friendly tax policies, such as child tax credits, to support population growth and economic stability.

Chosun Biz reports that the 2025 Census marks a century of demographic tracking in South Korea, revealing stark shifts in population trends. While past censuses documented war, urbanization, and economic growth, recent data underscores a deepening demographic crisis. Birth rates have plummeted, single-person households now account for a third of all homes, and 93% of married women report no plans for additional children. The upcoming Census will provide critical insights into South Korea’s accelerating population decline.

January 2025 saw continued efforts to address South Korea's demographic crisis, with new government policies, societal trends, and shifting attitudes toward family and work-life balance. Key Highlights: Seoul’s Birth Rate Investment: The city committed 3.2 trillion won to boost birth rates, offering housing subsidies, childcare discounts, and expanded daycare services, alongside wedding expense support for newlyweds. Government-Backed Remote Work for Parents: Pregnant public employees must now work from home once a week, with similar flexibility encouraged for parents of young children. University Mergers Due to Low Enrollment: Declining birth rates have led to university mergers, particularly outside Seoul, with institutions shifting toward vocational programs to survive, raising concerns over academic diversity. AI as a Solution to Demographic Decline: The government is promoting AI development to address labor shortages caused by low birth rates, investing in automation, ro...

Korea JoongAng Daily   reports that South Korea will mandate one remote workday per week for pregnant public employees to ease workplace pressures and support childbirth. Parents of young children will also be encouraged to work from home weekly. If successful, these policies may expand to all government agencies as part of broader efforts to improve work-life balance and address the country’s low birth rate.