In a bid to continue the city’s recent rebound in birthrates, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced plans to provide a one-time subsidy of 1 million won ($685) to couples who register their marriage in the capital this year.
This initiative, aimed at easing “marriage living expenses,” comes as part of Seoul’s broader strategy to support marriage, childbirth, and parenting in a city facing demographic challenges. The city government is currently reviewing the distribution method, with plans to issue the subsidy in cash or as points redeemable for cash within the community.
The subsidy will be available to newlyweds whose combined income falls below 150% of the median income for 2025, which is estimated at 5.89 million won for two people. Based on this, the city expects around 20,000 couples to be eligible for the support. There are also discussions to raise the income threshold to 180% of the median income, or 7.07 million won for two people.
Seoul’s birthrate saw an uptick in 2024, with 38,568 babies born from January to November, marking a 5.1% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to several factors, including delayed marriages due to the COVID-19 pandemic and government support programs such as long-term housing lease deposits for newlyweds, fertility assistance, and support for multi-child households.
A city official expressed confidence that the financial support, along with other pro-family policies, will help maintain the upward trend in birthrates. “The city government is carefully reviewing further measures to sustain this momentum,” the official said.
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