Seoul: The number of babies born in South Korea increased for the first time in nine years in 2024, driven by a post-pandemic rise in marriages, evolving attitudes toward parenthood, and demographic changes, the statistics agency said Wednesday.
According to Yonhap News Agency, a total of 238,300 babies were born last year, marking a 3.6 percent increase from a record low of 230,000 in 2023. This figure had been on a decline since 2015, when it was noted at 438,400.
The total fertility rate, representing the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, also showed an upward trend for the first time in nine years, reaching 0.75 in 2024, compared to 0.72 the previous year. Although this figure exceeded the government's earlier projection of 0.74, it remains among the lowest globally and is about half the average of OECD member nations.
Despite the increase, the rate remains significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 births per woman required to maintain a stable population without immigration. The government has set a target to elevate this rate to 1 by 2030.
"The rising trend in marriages that began after the COVID-19 pandemic has continued," stated Park Hyun-jeong, an official from Statistics Korea, during a press briefing. She highlighted that the number of marriages in 2024 reached the highest level since 1996.
The statistics agency reported that more couples began to marry from the second half of 2022 through the first half of 2023, having delayed their weddings during the earlier pandemic stages. The agency also credited the increase in childbirths to more favorable views on marriage and parenthood among the younger population, referencing its biennial social survey.
Park also pointed out demographic shifts, noting an increase in the population of individuals in their early 30s, a crucial childbearing age group. The number of births per 1,000 women was 70.4 among those in their early 30s, followed by 46 for those in their late 30s, and 20.7 for people in their late 20s, as reported by the agency.
South Korea has been grappling with a declining birthrate, as numerous young individuals delay or choose not to marry and have children due to economic challenges and changing societal norms. In response, the government has implemented various policies to support marriage and child-rearing, including financial benefits for newlyweds and expanded childcare assistance.
Despite the recent rebound, concerns persist about whether this trend will continue. The number of women of childbearing age and the population in their 30s are anticipated to decline starting in 2027, which could hinder further increases in the birth rate.
"While the number of women of childbearing age is forecast to decrease, factors such as government policies and evolving social values can still influence fertility rates," Park commented.