How Did South Korea's Birth Rate Increase for the 9th Consecutive Month in March?
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Synopsis
In a noteworthy turnaround, South Korea's birth rate has seen a continuous increase for nine months. This trend is a beacon of hope for a nation facing a demographic crisis, driven largely by a surge in marriages following the pandemic. How does this impact the future of South Korea's population?
Key Takeaways
- South Korea's births increased for the ninth month in March.
- Total newborns reached 21,041, a 6.8% increase.
- First quarter births totaled 65,022, the highest since 1981.
- Fertility rate slightly rose to 0.82.
- Increased marriages post-pandemic linked to rising births.
Seoul, May 28 (NationPress) The number of newborns in South Korea saw a rise for the ninth consecutive month in March, as revealed by data released on Wednesday, signaling a positive turn for a nation grappling with a demographic crisis.
According to Statistics Korea, a total of 21,041 infants were born in March, reflecting a 6.8% increase from the 19,694 births recorded in the same month the previous year, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
This upward trajectory in births has been evident since July 2024, marking the first year in a decade where March experienced an annual increase in births.
During the first quarter of 2025, the total number of newborns rose by 7.4% from the previous year, reaching 65,022, which signifies the highest year-on-year growth for any first quarter since the relevant data collection began in 1981.
This figure also represents the largest number of first-quarter births noted in three years, following the 68,339 births recorded in the initial quarter of 2022.
The country's total fertility rate, indicating the average number of children a woman is projected to have throughout her life, also saw a slight increase of 0.05 from the previous year, now sitting at 0.82 for the January-March period. This rise is largely attributed to increased childbirth rates among women in their 30s.
A representative from Statistics Korea remarked, "When evaluated to the third decimal point, the total fertility rate in the first quarter is marginally higher than in 2023, yet still below the figures recorded in 2022." He noted, "It remains uncertain if this trend will continue."
The agency linked the upsurge in births to a significant increase in marriages following the Covid-19 pandemic. In South Korea, where childbirth outside of marriage is uncommon, a spike in marriage registrations typically results in enhanced birth rates.
The number of couples getting married rose by 11.5% year-on-year to 19,181 in March, indicating the 12th month of consecutive growth.
For the January-March timeframe, marriages surged by 8.4% to 58,704, marking the highest first-quarter statistic since 2019 when it stood at 59,074.
South Korea has faced long-standing challenges with a declining birth rate as an increasing number of young individuals postpone or forgo marriage and parenthood. In response, the government has initiated various incentives, including marriage benefits and childcare subsidies, aimed at reversing this trend.
In a notable shift, 2024 marked the first year in nine years that the total annual births increased, driven by a post-pandemic surge in marriages, evolving societal attitudes, and demographic changes.
Conversely, the number of deaths in March experienced a slight increase of 0.2% year-on-year, totaling 31,141, leading to a natural population decline of 10,100 for the month.
South Korea has consistently reported more deaths than births since the fourth quarter of 2019.
Additionally, the number of divorces in March dropped by 3.2% year-on-year to 7,210, according to the data.
Point of View
It's essential to highlight that while these statistics paint a promising picture for South Korea's birth rate, the underlying issues of declining marriages and parenthood choices remain. The government's initiatives may provide temporary relief, but long-term solutions are critical for sustainable demographic growth.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What factors contributed to the rise in births in South Korea?
The increase in births can largely be attributed to a notable rise in marriages following the Covid-19 pandemic and shifting societal attitudes towards family and parenthood.
How significant is the increase in South Korea's total fertility rate?
The total fertility rate rose by 0.05 from the previous year, reaching 0.82, particularly due to increased childbirths among women in their 30s.
How does the current birth trend compare with past years?
This marks the first time in 10 years that March has seen an increase in births on a year-on-year basis, indicating a potential shift in demographic trends.
What has the government done to address declining birth rates?
The South Korean government has implemented various incentives, including marriage benefits and childcare subsidies, to encourage higher birth rates.
What is the current state of marriages in South Korea?
Marriages have increased by 11.5% year-on-year, indicating a growing trend that correlates with the rise in birth rates.
