South Korea has recorded an increase in its birthrate for the first time in nearly a decade, signaling a potential turning point in the country’s struggle with population decline. This rise comes as government policies to encourage parenthood and an increase in marriages following the COVID-19 pandemic begin to show results. South Korea has long held the world’s lowest fertility rate, and the new data suggests that recent efforts to address the issue are starting to take effect.
According to Statistics Korea, the fertility rate rose to 0.75 children per woman in 2024, up from 0.72 in 2023. This is the first increase since 2015, when the rate stood at 1.24. The crude birthrate, which measures the number of babies born per 1,000 people, also increased to 4.7. This rise interrupted a continuous decline that had persisted since 2014. The increase is linked to a combination of social and policy-driven factors, including a rise in marriages and targeted government initiatives to ease the financial and logistical burdens of raising children.
One significant factor contributing to the rise is the increase in marriages. Many couples delayed wedding plans during the COVID-19 pandemic due to economic uncertainty and social restrictions. As pandemic-related concerns eased, more couples decided to marry, resulting in a higher number of births. Officials from Statistics Korea emphasized that changing social attitudes toward marriage and childbirth also played a role in the increase. There is a growing acceptance of parenthood among younger Koreans, particularly those in their early 30s, who make up a large portion of the population contributing to the rise in births.
In addition to social changes, the South Korean government has implemented a range of policy measures aimed at reversing the declining birthrate. Last year, now-impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol proposed creating a new ministry focused on tackling the country’s demographic crisis. This marked a shift from previous approaches that relied heavily on direct cash incentives. Instead, the government is now focusing on comprehensive support programs designed to make it easier for families to balance work and parenting. One major policy change is the expansion of parental leave benefits. Both parents are now entitled to receive 100 percent of their salary for a maximum of six months if they take parental leave. Previously, the maximum duration was three months. The total period of parental leave has also been extended from one year to one and a half years if both parents participate, offering families more flexibility and financial security.
The government is also increasing corporate accountability regarding family support. Starting this year, listed companies are required to include childcare-related data in their regulatory filings. Companies that demonstrate strong family support measures are eligible for incentives, including priority consideration for government projects and financial assistance for small and medium-sized enterprises. These policy changes reflect a broader strategy to encourage both individuals and employers to take an active role in addressing the demographic crisis.
In financial terms, the government is significantly increasing its investment in programs designed to support families. In 2025, South Korea plans to spend 19.7 trillion won ($13.76 billion) across three main focus areas: work-family balance, childcare, and housing. This represents a 22 percent increase from the previous year’s budget. The increased funding aims to address key barriers that have historically discouraged young people from starting families. Rising housing costs, job insecurity, and the high expense of raising children have been major deterrents for many South Koreans considering parenthood. By expanding financial support and improving access to childcare, the government hopes to make family life more feasible for young couples.
Despite the recent uptick, South Korea’s birthrate remains the lowest in the world, and experts caution that one year of growth does not signal a permanent reversal of the trend. Long-term demographic projections remain concerning. Without sustained policy intervention and broader cultural shifts, the population is still expected to decline significantly. Some projections indicate that South Korea’s population of approximately 51 million could be cut in half by the end of the century if birthrates do not continue to rise.
The government’s approach reflects a recognition that the issue is multifaceted and requires more than financial incentives alone. There is a growing emphasis on creating a supportive environment for families, including improving access to affordable housing, expanding childcare options, and promoting a more family-friendly work culture. These efforts are essential to reversing the country’s demographic decline, which poses serious economic and social challenges for the future.
The rise in birthrates, while modest, is being viewed as a positive sign that policy efforts are beginning to work. However, sustaining and building on this progress will require continued commitment from both the government and society at large. With increased funding and new initiatives in place, South Korea is hoping to create a future where parenthood is more accessible and appealing to its citizens.
