👨👩👧👦 Why Is South Korea’s Fertility Rate So Low?
Kody2025. 7. 6. 15:50
South Korea’s total fertility rate (TFR) hovers around 0.7 children per woman, making it one of the lowest in the worldThe reasons can be summarized into three core categories:
✅ Summary Table
CategorySouth Korea (2022)World Average (2022–23)
Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
0.78
~2.3 children/woman
Crude Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)
4.9
~18.4/1,000
OECD Trend
Lowest, ultra‑low birth rate
Most advanced countries are also declining
High‑fertility regions
—
Parts of Africa (TFR 4–6)
1. Economic Strain & Unequal Domestic Duties
High housing and childcare expenses: Rising apartment prices, rent, education, and childcare costs increase the financial burden on young families—especially dual-income households, where women often fear career disruption.
Persistent gender roles: Women still tend to shoulder the majority of housework and childcare, while men are expected to be breadwinners. This imbalance discourages marriage and childbearing.
2. Changing Attitudes Toward Marriage & Parenthood
Among Millennials and Gen Z, valuing individual freedom means marriage and having kids are seen as choices, not obligations.
The belief that it’s okay to remain single or childless is becoming more accepted, reducing societal pressure to start families.
3. Willing Yet Blocked by Real Barriers
Risks and burdens of pregnancy and childbirth: Physical pain, mental stress, and fears associated with these stages make many hesitant
Limitations in policy support: Despite laws like the Maternal and Child Health Act and anti‑low‑birth initiatives, many feel these are still insufficient .
👩⚕️ Challenges Faced by Women During Pregnancy & Childbirth
For those who proceed with pregnancy, the journey often comes with significant difficulties:
Physical Pain & Changes
Morning sickness, weight gain, back and breast pain can hinder daily routines.
Childbirth may involve intense labor pain, perineal trauma, and long-term issues like urine leakage, chronic pain, or even secondary infertility.
Mental & Psychological Stress
Intense hormonal shifts can trigger mood swings, anxiety, and depression.
Postpartum depression, birth trauma, and PTSD are common mental health concerns.
Health & Medical Risks
Advanced maternal age (30s+) increases risks like hypertension, diabetes, placenta issues, preterm birth, Cesarean delivery, and newborn health complications.
Career Interruption & Financial Loss
Many women face career breaks or resignations, slower advancement, or salary cuts due to childbirth.
Persistent gender biases portraying childcare as “women’s work” worsen these career setbacks.
Insufficient Support From Family & Society
Many pregnant women juggle household chores and jobs with limited partner or family help.
Public childcare services and postpartum care are inconsistent and vary widely by region.
Programs for high-risk pregnancies, postpartum care, infertility, and rural support exist, but real-world impact is mixed .
✅ Conclusion: A Multi-layered Approach Is Essential
Enhancing economic and societal support: Promote shared caregiving, support dual-income families, expand paternity leave, and strengthen policies against career disruption.
Shifting perceptions about pregnancy and childbirth: Normalize pregnancy, reduce fears, and encourage positive social narratives.
Expanding medical and policy frameworks: Better healthcare access for high-risk mothers, robust postpartum and neonatal care, and enhanced support services.
Collaboration between policy and culture: Beyond legislation, societal change—through business, communities, and individuals—is crucial. Attitudes must evolve to view pregnant women as deserving of respect and support, not just bearers of children.
✏️ Final Thoughts
South Korea's demographic crisis is more than a population issue—it's a societal transformation challenge. Providing women both the desire and supportive conditions to have children can help restore childbirth to a natural and chosen part of life, rather than a daunting obligation.
