South Korea’s birth rate experienced a slight but significant increase in 2024, marking the first rise in nearly a decade amidst an ongoing demographic crisis. Official data released on Wednesday revealed that the country’s fertility rate increased to 0.75 in 2024, up from 0.72 in the previous year, offering a glimmer of hope. Despite the modest uptick, South Korea’s fertility rate remains one of the lowest in the world, far below the 2.1 replacement level required to sustain population levels.
In 2024, the number of births rose by 3.6%, with 238,343 babies born compared to 229,931 in 2023. This rebound follows a 14.9% surge in marriages year-on-year, the largest jump since 1970, as the COVID-19 pandemic had previously delayed many weddings and family planning decisions. Experts suggest that the increase in births is linked to a combination of factors, including the rise in marriages, government support, and changing demographics.
“The rise in births can be linked to a combination of factors, including an increase in marriages, government support, and demographic changes,” said Park Hyun-jeong, an official at Statistics Korea. The South Korean government has introduced various measures to counter the demographic crisis, including financial incentives, housing subsidies for newlyweds, and family-friendly workplace policies to ease the burden of childcare.
However, South Korea continues to face a severe demographic challenge, with a rapidly aging population and fewer young people entering the workforce. The country’s population, which peaked at 51.83 million in 2020, is projected to decline to 36.22 million by 2072 if current trends persist.
Experts also point to the high cost of living, especially raising children and property ownership, as well as intense societal pressures, as key factors contributing to the low birth rate. Women, in particular, face difficulties in balancing careers with family life, often shouldering the majority of childcare responsibilities.
Despite these challenges, there is cautious optimism. “The rebound in births, particularly the increase in second and third children, suggests that the trend may not be short-lived,” said You Hye-mi, senior presidential secretary for population planning. Yet, the country remains in the grip of one of the world’s most severe demographic crises, with 2024 marking the fifth consecutive year of natural population decline.
