In a significant demographic shift, South Korea experienced an increase in births in 2024 for the first time in nearly a decade. Preliminary estimates from Seoul indicate that the total number of births reached 240,000, marking a notable rise from previous years.
The country’s fertility rate also slightly improved, rising to 0.75 in 2024 from 0.72 in 2023. This modest increase is a positive sign for a nation grappling with one of the world’s lowest birth rates. The fertility rate measures the average number of babies born to each woman during her reproductive years.
One key factor contributing to this demographic shift is the rise in marriages. In 2023, the number of marriages in South Korea increased by 13.5 percent, totaling 199,903. This marks the first increase in marriages in 12 years, a significant turnaround from the declining trend observed over the past decade.
The South Korean government has introduced various measures to encourage young people to marry and have children. These initiatives include financial incentives for new parents, expanded parental leave, and childcare assistance. The government has also implemented policies to reduce the cost of housing and education, which are significant barriers to starting a family in South Korea.
Experts believe these measures and a change in social attitudes towards marriage and childbirth have contributed to the recent increase in births and marriages. However, they caution that it remains to be seen whether this trend will continue in the coming years.
Overall, the increase in births and marriages in South Korea is a positive development for a country facing a demographic crisis. It reflects the impact of government policies and changing social attitudes, offering hope for a more stable population growth in the future.
