South Korea Birthrate Sees First Increase in Nearly a Decade
South Korea’s birthrate has shown a positive shift, rising for the first time in nine years. This increase comes as a result of government interventions and shifting social attitudes toward marriage and parenthood. The trend marks a crucial development in a country that has struggled with the world’s lowest fertility rate.
The birthrate had been on a continuous decline as young Koreans delayed marriage and childbearing due to economic pressures and career ambitions. However, in 2024, the fertility rate increased to 0.75 births per woman, up from 0.72 in 2023, according to Statistics Korea. The crude birth rate also saw a rise, reaching 4.7 births per 1,000 people, breaking the consistent downward trend seen since 2014.
Experts attribute the increase to multiple factors, including a rise in marriages following pandemic-related delays. Additionally, government policies aimed at improving work-life balance, childcare support, and housing incentives have played a role in encouraging families to have children.
Government Policies Supporting South Korea’s Birthrate Growth
The South Korean government has been proactive in addressing its demographic crisis. In 2023, now-impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol proposed a dedicated ministry to tackle the issue, emphasizing comprehensive strategies beyond financial support. These efforts aimed to make parenthood more accessible and appealing.
One of the most notable policy changes is the extension of paid parental leave. Employees now receive 100 percent of their salary for up to six months if both parents take leave, compared to the previous three-month limit. Additionally, the parental leave period has been extended to one and a half years when both parents participate.
Another major step involves requiring listed companies to report childcare-related statistics in their filings. Companies that comply receive incentives for government projects and financial aid, particularly benefiting small and medium-sized enterprises.
Changing Social Attitudes Influence South Korea’s Birthrate Increase
Beyond policy changes, shifts in societal attitudes have contributed to the rise in the birthrate. In recent years, there has been a growing acceptance of work-life balance, leading to more individuals embracing marriage and parenthood.
Statistics Korea’s official, Park Hyun-Jung, noted that an increase in the population of people in their early 30s, combined with delayed marriages during the COVID-19 pandemic, has influenced birth trends. While it remains challenging to quantify the exact impact of each factor, the cumulative effect is evident in the latest statistics.
More South Koreans are now viewing marriage and having children in a positive light, particularly with the government’s supportive measures in place. This shift suggests that long-term policy consistency may be key to sustaining the upward trend in birth rates.
Financial Commitment to Boost South Korea’s Birthrate
The government has allocated significant resources to encourage childbirth and parenting. In 2025, South Korea plans to spend 19.7 trillion won ($13.76 billion) on initiatives targeting work-family balance, childcare, and housing—an increase of 22 percent from the previous year.
Housing support programs, particularly those providing affordable housing for newlyweds and young families, have been expanded. This move aims to address one of the primary deterrents to having children—the high cost of living and real estate.
Other financial incentives include direct cash benefits to families with newborns and subsidies for education, which help ease the financial burden associated with raising children. Such efforts indicate the government’s commitment to reversing demographic decline.
The impact of these measures is beginning to be seen, but experts suggest that consistency in policies and long-term social reforms will be crucial. Many young Koreans still cite concerns such as job stability, career progression, and the high cost of raising children as reasons to delay or forgo parenthood.
Long-Term Prospects for South Korea Birthrate Stability
Despite the recent rise, South Korea’s birthrate remains the lowest globally, and sustaining this growth will require continued efforts. Experts warn that without structural changes in workplace culture, gender equality in parenting, and cost-of-living adjustments, the birthrate could decline again.
Encouragingly, the latest policies suggest a broader approach that extends beyond cash handouts. Measures focusing on job security, childcare accessibility, and flexible work arrangements are being explored to ensure long-term demographic stability.
In addition, societal expectations around parenting roles are gradually evolving. Historically, much of the childcare responsibility has fallen on women, discouraging them from having multiple children. With policies promoting shared parenting, the government hopes to create a more balanced environment where both parents can actively participate in raising children while maintaining career ambitions.
Urbanization also plays a role in declining birth rates. Many young people migrate to cities for better job opportunities, but urban life presents additional challenges such as high living costs and limited living space. Policies aimed at improving family-friendly environments in cities could further support the birthrate increase.
