Cutting South Korea’s workweek to 35 hours may boost birth rate: study (KoreaHerald/19 Feb 2025)

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.