Why Is South Korea’s Birth Rate Dropping So Drastically?

Over the past few years, South Korea has frequently made global headlines for having the lowest fertility rate in the world — and it keeps dropping. But what’s actually behind this trend? Why are fewer and fewer babies being born in one of Asia’s most developed and tech-savvy countries?

Let’s take a closer look at what’s happening — and why it matters.

The Alarming Numbers

In 2023, South Korea’s total fertility rate dropped to 0.72, meaning that, on average, a Korean woman is expected to have less than one child in her lifetime. This is far below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to maintain population stability.

But in early 2025, there was a small but notable shift: for the first time in years, the birth rate increased slightly to 0.75. Between January and May 2025, the number of babies born grew by 6.9% compared to the same period in 2024. It’s the largest rise since data tracking began in 1981.

Still, experts warn this doesn’t mean the crisis is over.

Why Are Fewer Koreans Having Children?

There are several complex — and deeply social — reasons:

1. High Cost of Living and Housing

Raising a child in Korea is expensive. Education costs are sky-high, and buying a home — especially in cities like Seoul — can be nearly impossible for young couples.

2. Career vs. Motherhood

Many women in South Korea face the difficult choice between pursuing a career or becoming a mother. Workplace support for working moms is limited, and women often experience career interruptions after childbirth.

3. Changing Values and Gender Roles

Younger generations are redefining traditional gender roles, and many women are opting out of marriage and childbirth altogether. Movements like the “4B movement” (no dating, no sex, no marriage, no childbearing) highlight growing frustrations with societal expectations.

4. Overwork Culture

South Korea is known for its intense work culture. Long hours and limited work-life balance make it hard for couples to imagine raising a family.

What Is the Government Doing?

Realizing the seriousness of the issue, the Korean government has rolled out a number of measures to encourage childbirth:

Cash incentives for each child born
Expanded parental leave and subsidies for daycare
More affordable housing for newlyweds and families
Support for infertility treatments

Some cities and companies are offering even more aggressive support. But so far, these efforts haven’t been enough to reverse the long-term trend.

The 2025 Uptick: A Turning Point?

The recent increase in birth rates is likely linked to a rise in marriages, some of which were delayed during the COVID-19 pandemic. It could also reflect the early impact of new policies.

Still, experts caution that without deeper changes to gender equality, workplace culture, and social norms, this improvement may be temporary.

Why It Matters Globally

South Korea’s population is shrinking faster than almost any other country. By 2100, the country could lose over half of its population unless something changes.

For foreign readers and expats, this situation offers a glimpse into the future challenges of many advanced societies — where economic development does not always lead to population stability.

What do you think?

Is Korea’s case unique, or is this the direction many modern societies are heading in?
Leave a comment below if you have thoughts or similar trends in your country!