The number of newborns in South Korea reached its lowest level in 2023 since the first statistics on the subject in 1970. Seoul has spent hundreds of billions of euros trying to encourage births, through benefit payments, childcare and help with infertility treatments.
Experts say the low number of births is due in particular to real estate prices and the high costs of raising children. The double working day of women, who, upon returning from work, often assume responsibility for household chores and child-rearing, is also a key factor.