Synopsis
The birth rate in South Korea surged in November 2024, achieving the highest increase in 14 years, influenced by a rise in marriages and changing views on family life post-pandemic. This trend reflects the government's efforts to boost marriage and support child-rearing amidst a longstanding decline in birth rates.Key Takeaways
- Births in South Korea increased 14.6% in November 2024.
- Marriages rose by 11.3% year-on-year.
- Government policies are aimed at encouraging marriage and child-rearing.
- 242,334 babies were born in 2024, marking a 3.1% annual increase.
- The registered population continues to decline.
Seoul, Jan 22 (NationPress) The birth rate in South Korea increased at its most rapid pace in 14 years during November, influenced in part by a rise in marriages following the pandemic and evolving attitudes towards marriage and parenthood, according to the nation's statistical agency.
Statistics Korea reported that a total of 20,095 infants were born in November 2024, reflecting a substantial increase of 14.6 percent from the 17,530 births recorded in the same month the previous year, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
This represented the highest year-on-year growth since November 2010, when childbirths rose by 17.5 percent.
The data also indicated that marriages surged by 11.3 percent year-on-year, totaling 18,581 unions in November.
During the period from January to November, 199,903 couples wed, marking a 13.5 percent increase compared to the previous year.
For years, South Korea has grappled with a declining birth rate, with many young individuals choosing to delay or forgo marriage and parenting. In response, the government has implemented various initiatives to promote marriage and assist with child-rearing, including benefits for newlyweds and enhanced childcare support.
"Post-pandemic, we have observed a rise in marriages and the birth of first and second children," stated Im Young-il, an agency representative.
"There have also been gradual shifts in the perception of marriage and childbirth due to factors such as government policies."
Meanwhile, the number of deaths decreased by 3.8 percent year-on-year, totaling 29,219 in November.
As a result, South Korea experienced a natural population decline of 9,124 during the month.
The number of deaths has consistently outpaced births since the fourth quarter of 2019.
In 2024, the number of newborns in South Korea rose for the first time in nine years, as per government data.
A total of 242,334 infants were born last year, an increase of 3.1 percent compared to the prior year, according to resident registration data from the interior ministry.
This marked the first annual rise in South Korea after eight consecutive years of decline. The total registered population was 51,217,221 last year, continuing a five-year decline since 2020.
