After nearly a decade of declining birth rates, 2024 saw a small birthrate rises. Many couples who postponed their weddings during the COVID-19 pandemic are now starting families. Despite the increase, South Korea’s fertility rate remains among the lowest in the world.
South Korea’s birthrate rises in 2024 for the first time in nine years. It is driven by a sharp rise in marriages, according to preliminary data from Statistics Korea. This marks a potential turning point in the country’s ongoing demographic crisis.
The fertility rate, which represents the average number of children a woman is expected to have, reached 0.75 in 2024, up from a record low of 0.72 in 2023. However, it remains the lowest in the world and far below the 2.1 births per woman required to sustain the population without immigration.
Marriages surged by 14.9% in 2024, the biggest increase since data collection began in 1970. Experts attribute this spike to a post-pandemic rebound, a growing number of people in their early 30s. This trend is significantly shifting social attitudes toward marriage and family life.
“There was a change in social values, with more positive views about marriage and childbirth,” said Park Hyun-jung, an official from Statistics Korea.
Still Not Enough….
South Korea has long struggled with declining birth rates due to high living costs, competitive job markets, and traditional gender roles. Since 2018, it has been the only country in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with a fertility rate below 1.0.
To combat this issue, the government has implemented policies encouraging marriage and childbearing. Such as financial incentives for new parents, extended parental leave, and childcare support. Some local initiatives even include matchmaking events to help singles find partners.
Despite the birthrate increase, South Korea’s population continues to shrink, with 120,000 more deaths than births recorded in 2024. The population, which peaked at 51.83 million in 2020, is projected to decline to 36.22 million by 2072.
Experts warn that while the recent rise in births is a positive sign, long-term solutions are needed. Policymakers suggest further measures, including attracting more migrants, to stabilize the workforce and economy.
South Korea aims to reach a fertility rate of 1.0 by 2030. However, achieving this goal will require sustained efforts to address economic and social challenges affecting family growth.
