When you think of Korea, what do you think of? Some may think of foods like kimchi and Korean barbecue, K-pop groups like BTS and BlackPink, famous shows like Squid Game and Solo Leveling, or even the beautiful traditional architecture and clothing. However, another thing that may come to mind is Korea’s dangerously low birthrate of 0.75 that was recorded in 2023. This number dictates that in the near future, South Korea as a country may alter radically, as the culture and society of the country is in danger.
When considering the country with the lowest birthrate in the world, many might instinctively think of Japan given its well-documented struggles with an aging population. Others might guess a small European nation known for low fertility rates, like Malta. However, the surprising reality is that South Korea holds this title. In recent years, South Korea’s birth rate has plummeted to unprecedented levels, raising serious concerns about the country’s demographic and economic future.
In 2024, South Korea’s fertility rate hit a historic low, falling below 0.75 children per woman. This is significantly lower than the replacement rate of 2.1, which is necessary to maintain a stable population. To put this into perspective, South Korea’s birth rate is not just low—it’s the lowest ever recorded in any country, other than Taiwan. This alarming figure highlights the severity of the crisis and reflects a deeper societal shift.
The decline in birthrates can be attributed to a combination of social, economic, and cultural factors. Young South Koreans are increasingly delaying marriage or choosing not to marry at all. Traditionally, marriage has been viewed as a prerequisite for starting a family, but changing attitudes are challenging this notion.
High living costs are also a major deterrent. In South Korea, housing prices have skyrocketed, particularly in major cities like Seoul. The dream of homeownership often feels out of reach for young couples, and without secure housing, many are hesitant to start families. Furthermore, raising children in South Korea is expensive. Education costs are particularly burdensome, given the nation’s cultural emphasis on academic excellence and private tutoring. The financial pressure can be overwhelming, especially for couples who are already struggling to secure stable employment and housing.
Another factor is the relentless work culture. South Korea is known for its long working hours, leaving little room for family life. Achieving a healthy work-life balance feels nearly impossible for many, leading some to abandon the idea of parenting altogether. Women, in particular, face significant challenges in balancing careers and motherhood. While societal expectations still place a high value on traditional family roles, the demands of the modern workforce often make it difficult to meet those expectations. Consequently, many women opt to focus on their careers rather than pursuing marriage and children.
Government policies aimed at raising the birth rate have thus far proven ineffective. The South Korean government has introduced various measures, including cash incentives for new parents, extended parental leave, and subsidies for housing. However, these initiatives have had little impact on the overall birth rate, with the birth rate constantly decreasing throughout the years. Critics argue that while financial incentives are helpful, they do not address the deeper societal and cultural challenges that discourage family formation. The stress of modern life, coupled with rigid work environments, continues to outweigh the benefits of government support.
As the birth rate remains stubbornly low, the consequences are becoming increasingly evident. Schools are shrinking, with some rural areas facing the prospect of school closures due to a lack of students. Meanwhile, the population is aging rapidly, placing immense pressure on the country’s social welfare systems. A shrinking workforce means fewer people to support the growing number of elderly citizens, which could lead to economic stagnation and a declining standard of living.
The social implications of this are equally as concerning. The decline in family formation raises questions about the long-term sustainability of South Korea’s cultural identity. As birthrates fall, some worry that Koreans as an ethnicity could become a minority in their own country within a few generations. The notion of a “dying” ethnicity is not just metaphorical but statistically plausible if the current trends continue.
In response, some suggest that South Korea needs to take bold, transformative steps. Encouraging gender equality in both domestic and professional settings is essential. If more women felt they could have children without sacrificing their careers, the current equation might change. Additionally, creating a more inclusive view of what a “family” looks like—recognizing single parents, cohabiting couples, or even shared child-rearing models—could open doors for people who might otherwise opt out of parenthood altogether.
Other nations with similar birth rate struggles have shown partial success. Countries like Sweden and France, which have more family-friendly work policies, generous parental leave, and accessible childcare, have maintained comparatively higher fertility rates. South Korea could study these models and tailor similar programs to suit its own cultural context. It’s not just about money—it’s about lifestyle, support systems, and reshaping national values to prioritize balance, wellbeing, and the future.
The challenges are daunting, but some experts suggest that a fundamental shift in societal attitudes and work culture is necessary. More flexible work policies, better childcare options, and a cultural acceptance of diverse family structures could encourage more people to consider parenthood. Additionally, fostering a social environment where family life is genuinely supported rather than merely incentivized might help alleviate some of the pressures currently discouraging young couples.
South Korea’s demographic crisis is not just a national issue but a reflection of broader global trends in advanced economies. As other countries also grapple with declining birth rates, the world is watching South Korea as a case study in how—and how not—to address the complex interplay of economic, cultural, and social factors driving fertility decline. Whether South Korea can find a way to reverse the trend remains uncertain, but the stakes are undeniably high. The future of the country both demographically and economically, hangs in the balance.
Amid this growing crisis, South Korean youth are increasingly voicing their frustrations. Many young people express a sense of disillusionment with a society that demands high achievement but offers little personal reward. Online forums and social media are filled with conversations about the “no-kids” trend, not out of rebellion, but from a deep sense of practical despair. They speak candidly about burnout, financial instability, lack of trust in government support systems, and the crushing pressure of social expectations. Some even refer to having children as a “luxury for the elite,” pointing to the stark inequality that now characterizes family life in Korea.
Mental health also plays a significant role in this crisis. South Korea has some of the highest levels of stress and depression among OECD countries, particularly among its youth. The intense academic competition that begins in early childhood, combined with work environments that often discourage rest or expression of emotional distress, creates a population that is deeply fatigued. In such a climate, taking on the additional stress of parenting feels overwhelming. Policies to promote mental health, improve work satisfaction, and restore a sense of optimism could be crucial to reversing the birth rate trend.
Looking internationally, countries like Germany and Denmark have managed to moderately increase fertility rates by transforming social norms. These countries promote gender equality not just in name, but through real support: subsidized child care, generous paternity leave, and flexible work schedules. These changes didn’t happen overnight—they required public will, private sector participation, and national conversations about what kind of society citizens wanted to live in.
For South Korea, the key may lie not only in economic reform, but in redefining success. Moving away from rigid traditions and embracing a modern, humane approach to life and family might be the only way forward. The road will be long, but the alternative—a slow and silent disappearance—is far more unsettling.
South Korea’s demographic crisis is not just a national issue but a reflection of broader global trends in advanced economies.