Understanding South Korea's Low Birth Rate - Reasons and Context

South Korea's total fertility rate was 0.78 last year, down 0.03 from the previous year and the lowest since statistics began in 1970. South Korea has consistently ranked last in total fertility among OECD countries since 2013. As of 2020, the most recent year for which statistics are available, South Korea was the only country with a total fertility rate of less than 1. South Korea's total fertility rate last year was less than half of the OECD average total fertility rate in 2020 (1.59).

Today we're going to look at the reasons why South Korea has a low fertility rate compared to other countries. The issue of fertility in Korea is complex and influenced by a variety of factors, and it's important to understand these dynamics.

1. Economic Burden

• South Korea is known as an economically demanding country.** With a highly educated population and intense competition, many struggle to achieve the economic stability needed to raise children.
• The high cost of childcare and education, coupled with skyrocketing real estate prices, make it difficult for young families to afford a home.

2. Work-Life Balance

• The South Korean labor market poses challenges to maintaining a work-life balance, especially for women.** Women often find it difficult to juggle household responsibilities and childcare while pursuing a career.
• There is a lack of flexible working hours and parental leave policies in many workplaces.

3. Social pressures

• South Korean society still holds traditional, male-centered values.** Gender roles regarding social participation and family responsibilities remain deeply entrenched.
• Pressure to marry and have children can be overwhelming, leading to delayed childbirth as people seek more favorable conditions.

4. Educational Competition

• The South Korean education system is demanding and competitive. Parents often have high expectations for their children's higher education, leading to delayed family planning.
• The cost of education and academic pressure put immense stress on parents.

South Korea's low fertility rate is the result of a complex interplay of social, economic, and cultural factors. The government and society are actively working to address this issue, and efforts to increase the birth rate are ongoing.