South Korea’s fertility rate has risen for the first time in nine years, signaling a possible shift in the nation’s ongoing demographic crisis. Preliminary data from Statistics Korea revealed that the fertility rate in 2024 stood at 0.75, an increase from 0.72 in 2023, after years of declining numbers. This marks a notable reversal from the country’s record low of 0.72 last year and offers hope that the nation’s persistent population challenges may have started to ease.
Over the past decade, South Korea’s fertility rate has remained one of the lowest in the world, dropping from 1.24 in 2015. In 2023, the fertility rate dipped for the eighth consecutive year, raising significant concerns about the economic and social impacts of such a rapid demographic decline. South Korea’s fertility rate has been below 1 since 2018, making it the only OECD member with such a rate.
Marriages and Government Support Boosting Birth Rates
A key factor behind the slight increase in the birthrate is a rise in marriages, which increased by 14.9% in 2024—the largest increase since data collection began in 1970. The uptick follows a modest 1.0% increase in 2023, attributed to a post-pandemic recovery. There is a strong correlation between marriages and births in South Korea, as marriage is often viewed as a prerequisite for having children. With more people tying the knot, the expectation is that the birthrate will continue to improve in the coming years.
Government initiatives to tackle the country’s declining fertility rate have also contributed to the shift. Since President Yoon Suk Yeol declared a “national demographic crisis,” several policies have been rolled out, including financial incentives and expanded parental support. Notably, the private sector has increasingly joined the effort, with companies offering incentives for employees who have children. For example, Booyoung, an employer in South Korea, introduced a childbirth bonus of 100 million won (about USD 110,000) for its employees.
Park Hyun-jung, an official from Statistics Korea, noted that a change in social values, including more positive attitudes toward marriage and childbirth, along with the impact of a growing number of people in their early 30s, has helped spur the increase in new births. Despite the complexity in gauging the exact contributions of each factor, these shifts appear to have had a combined impact.
Social Changes and Rising Support for Families
The broader societal change is apparent in the personal experiences of citizens like Nam Hyun-jin, a mother who recently had her second child. “The society as a whole is encouraging childbirth more than five years ago,” she said, pointing to the expanding support from both government programs and companies, which have become more family-friendly.
While these changes are helping, challenges remain. The birthrate in Seoul, the capital, remains the lowest in the country, at 0.58. Additionally, South Korea continues to see a natural population decline, with 120,000 more deaths than births in 2023, marking the fifth consecutive year of population shrinkage. Only Sejong, an administrative city, saw a population increase last year.
The Long Road Ahead
South Korea’s population, which peaked at 51.83 million in 2020, is expected to decrease significantly by 2072, with projections indicating a drop to 36.22 million. To reverse this trend, the government aims to raise the fertility rate to 1.0 by 2030, still far below the replacement level of 2.1 children per woman needed for a stable population.
However, many young South Koreans remain skeptical of the government’s efforts. Kim Ha-ram, a 21-year-old student, expressed concerns about the financial and social challenges of marriage and childrearing. “It is difficult and costly to get married, have a baby, and support a family in Korean society,” she said, highlighting the persistent barriers to family formation.
Broader Challenges and Policy Gaps
Experts agree that while government measures, such as cash payments, extended parental leave, and subsidized education, are helping, they are not enough to address the underlying issues. Shin, a professor at Hallym University, pointed to the high number of temporary workers in South Korea—nearly 27.3%, far above the OECD average—who are particularly vulnerable in a system where benefits are tied to permanent employment.
Jung Jae-hoon, a professor of social welfare, also emphasized the need for companies to play a greater role in supporting families. “While government investment has made significant strides in childcare systems, companies must become more family-friendly to truly address the issue,” he noted.
Conclusion: A Mixed Outlook for South Korea’s Demographics
South Korea’s demographic future remains uncertain, with early signs of recovery driven by social shifts and supportive policies. However, more systemic changes are required to ensure lasting improvements. Addressing the barriers faced by young people, such as high housing costs, job insecurity, and societal pressure, will be crucial in fostering a more family-friendly environment. The success of these efforts will ultimately determine whether the country can reverse its demographic decline and secure a sustainable future.
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