Is the Rise in Childbirths in South Korea a Trend to Celebrate?
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Synopsis
In a remarkable trend, South Korea has experienced a continuous increase in childbirths for 15 months, largely fueled by rising marriage rates. This data reveals significant growth in the population, signaling potential societal shifts and government influence on family planning.
Key Takeaways
- 22,369 babies were born in September 2023.
- This marks the 15th consecutive month of increasing births.
- The total fertility rate rose to 0.85.
- Marriages increased by 20.1 percent in September.
- The number of divorces also rose by 5.7 percent.
Seoul, Nov 26 (NationPress) The number of newborns in South Korea has seen an upswing for the 15th consecutive month as of September, primarily driven by a surge in marriages, according to data released on Wednesday.
In September, a total of 22,369 births were recorded, marking an 8.6 percent increase from 20,589 the previous year, as reported by the Ministry of Data and Statistics. This upward trajectory in births has been evident since July 2024.
The birth figures for September represent the highest count for that month since 2020, when 23,499 infants were born, as per reports from the Xinhua news agency.
From January to September, there were 191,040 births, which is an increase of 12,488 compared to the same timeframe last year, signifying the most substantial year-on-year rise for the first nine months since 2007.
Given the ongoing rise in births and marriages since the latter half of last year, it is anticipated that the total number of births in 2023 will surpass last year’s total of 238,317.
The nation's total fertility rate—the average expected number of children a woman will have in her lifetime—has climbed by 0.06 to 0.85 in September.
The ministry indicated that this recent surge in births seems to be influenced by a consistent rise in marriages, supportive government policies regarding childbirth, and an increasing population of women in their early 30s.
In South Korea, where out-of-wedlock births are uncommon, a rise in marriages typically leads to an increase in births.
In September, the number of marriages soared by 20.1 percent year-on-year, totaling 18,462, marking the 18th month in a row of growth. This surge is the highest recorded for any September.
Additionally, divorces saw a 5.7 percent year-on-year increase, with 7,959 divorces reported in September.
On a different note, the number of deaths decreased by 3.9 percent year-on-year to 28,101 in September, resulting in a natural population decline of 5,732.
Point of View
I see this rise in childbirths as a positive sign of societal change in South Korea. The increase in marriages and supportive government policies are crucial factors, and it reflects a growing optimism among families. However, we must continue to monitor how these trends affect the overall demographic landscape.
NationPress
26/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What has contributed to the rise in childbirths in South Korea?
The increase in childbirths is primarily due to a rise in marriages, supportive government policies for childbirth, and a growing population of women in their early 30s.
How many babies were born in September 2023?
In September 2023, a total of 22,369 babies were born in South Korea.
What is the total fertility rate in South Korea as of September 2023?
As of September 2023, the total fertility rate in South Korea rose to 0.85.
How does the rise in marriages relate to childbirth?
In South Korea, an increase in marriages usually precedes a rise in childbirths, as childbirth outside of marriage is relatively rare.
What was the natural population decline in September 2023?
In September 2023, the natural population decline in South Korea was 5,732.
