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The  Korea Herald reports that Nobel-winning economist Claudia Goldin attributes South Korea’s fertility crisis to outdated gender roles at home.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.

The Korea Times reports  that South Korea’s plummeting birth rate is reshaping higher education, with universities facing severe enrollment declines and financial strain. As student numbers shrink, institutions outside the capital are merging and shifting toward vocational programs, supported by government subsidies. Experts warn that these survival strategies could erode academic diversity, turning universities into job training centers rather than research hubs. The crisis is also fueling intense competition for medical school spots, as students seek secure career paths in a shrinking labor market.

Economic Times reports that South Korea sees artificial intelligence (AI) as a potential tool to address industrial challenges and demographic issues, including its low birth rate. Industry Minister Ahn Duk-geun announced plans to foster AI development through public-private partnerships, infrastructure for advanced robotics, and reforms to energy and business policies. While South Korea faces an aging population and declining birth rates, the government hopes technological advancements can help mitigate these pressures alongside recent modest gains in birth numbers.

The Korea Bizwire reports that Statistics Korea is launching a Population Dynamics Panel to analyze how factors like income, education, and childcare support influence marriage and childbirth patterns. Tracking individuals born from 1983 to 1995, the study aims to inform targeted policies to address South Korea’s low birth rate. This initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance statistical data, address regional population trends, and modernize economic and welfare analysis, providing insights to combat the demographic crisis.

Chosun Biz reports that Statistics Korea is launching a Population Dynamics Panel to analyze the social and economic factors affecting marriage and childbirth. By tracking individuals born between 1983 and 1995, the panel aims to identify trends and develop tailored policies to address the country’s low birth rate. The initiative integrates detailed life-event data to explore influences like income, education, and caregiving support on family planning decisions.

Chosun Biz reports that Seoul is investing 3.2 trillion won in initiatives to boost birth rates, including housing subsidies for families with children, discounted parenting supplies, and expanded daycare services. Newlyweds will benefit from wedding expense support, and long-term affordable housing options will be expanded for families and caregivers. Small businesses and freelancers will also receive support for parental leave. Recent data shows a modest increase in marriages and birth rates, and the city aims to sustain this upward trend.

Sinar Daily reports that the emergence of South Korea’s "4B Movement," where young women reject dating, marriage, and childbirth, highlights societal shifts contributing to the country’s record-low birth rate. Economic pressures, such as unaffordable housing and costly childcare, combined with workplace discrimination and incidents exposing misogyny, have intensified frustrations, shaping attitudes toward relationships and parenthood amid the ongoing demographic crisis.

Blind Magazine explores the struggles of South Korean youth in an intensely competitive society, highlighting their disconnection from traditional norms and its link to the country’s demographic crisis. Photographs capture young people resisting societal expectations, revealing how rigid definitions of success, combined with the world’s lowest birth rate and highest youth suicide rate among developed nations, reflect a deeper cultural issue. Yang suggests that meaningful change may require future generations to challenge entrenched norms and redefine societal values.

Herald Malaysia reports that the Catholic Church in South Korea is addressing the dual crisis of rapid aging and low birth rates, emphasizing intergenerational connection and care for the elderly. With 20% of the population over 65 and the world's lowest fertility rate, the nation faces rising single-person households, loneliness, and solitary deaths. Public acceptance of euthanasia is growing, but the Church advocates dignity and support for the elderly while calling for societal and cultural solutions to bridge generational divides.

The Korea Herald reports that Gangnam district in Seoul recorded a 15% increase in births last year, the highest growth among the city’s 25 districts, despite South Korea's overall low fertility rates. The district’s success is attributed to expanded childbirth benefits, including cash incentives, subsidies for postpartum care, and transportation support, which have significantly boosted birth numbers in the area.

Korea Herald reports on an interview with Darrell Bricker, co-author of Empty Planet, discussing South Korea’s declining birthrate. Bricker emphasizes cultural shifts, particularly changing expectations of women and the limited role of men in childcare, as major factors. Bricker argues that reversing population decline is unlikely, as people no longer feel obligated to have children, and policies can only slow the trend. Immigration may provide temporary relief, but long-term solutions require addressing deep-rooted cultural and societal values.

Vijesti/BBC reports that South Korea is increasingly using matchmaking services and government-led dating events to address declining marriage and birth rates. While demand for such services has risen, critics argue the government overlooks key issues like poor work-life balance, job insecurity for women, and high living costs that perpetuate the demographic crisis.

The Korea Herald reports that the number of unmarried individuals in their 40s has increased significantly over two decades, reflecting trends of later marriages and lifelong singlehood. This shift, highlighted in a Statistics Korea report, is seen as a factor contributing to South Korea's ultra-low birth rate. The report also noted declining positive perceptions of marriage, with intentions to marry linked to favorable education, economic, and health conditions.

Times of India reports that South Korea recorded its first increase in newborns in nine years, with 242,334 babies born in 2024, a 3.1% rise from the previous year. Despite this improvement, the overall population continues to decline, and South Korea officially became a "super-aged society" in 2024, with 20% of its population aged 65 and older. These demographic shifts highlight the ongoing challenges of balancing an aging population with low fertility rates.

Newsweek reports that South Korea continues to struggle with its population crisis despite extensive policy efforts, including expanded parental leave, subsidized housing loans, and increased support for postpartum care. New initiatives aim to boost father participation in parental leave and alleviate financial burdens for families, but political instability has delayed key measures, including the creation of a dedicated population ministry. Experts remain skeptical about significant progress as the nation faces persistent demographic challenges.

The Korea Bizwire reports that South Korea remains at the forefront of global demographic challenges, as experts warn of population decline despite years of policy efforts. British demographer David Coleman highlights the importance of reducing work culture intensity and supporting families through consistent policies. He emphasizes that South Korea's ability to mitigate its demographic crisis could set a global example, but significant societal and institutional changes are needed to reverse current trends.

Hankyoreh reports that over half of South Koreans of reproductive age view a child-free lifestyle as acceptable, with negative attitudes toward having children particularly common among women, young adults, and low-income workers. Financial burdens, housing instability, and work-life balance challenges were cited as key obstacles, reflecting shifting societal values on parenthood.

December 2024 brought significant developments in South Korea's demographic landscape, with notable policy initiatives and shifts in societal attitudes aimed at addressing the nation's low birth rate and aging population. Key Highlights: Housing Support for Newborns: The government increased the priority supply rate for newlywed couples with newborns in private housing from 20% to 35%, reallocating resources to support families with young children. Record Low Birth Rate: South Korea's birth rate reached an all-time low, prompting experts to warn of potential population halving by 2100, with economic and social systems at risk. Acceptance of Nonmarital Childbirth: Support for nonmarital childbirth nearly doubled since 2008, with 37% now in favor, particularly among younger generations, indicating evolving societal norms. Super-Aged Society Status: South Korea entered the "super-aged society" category ahead of predictions, with 20% of its population now aged 65...