A country that may become a third of its current size

Graphic by Chloe Kang

Korea faces a national emergency as its fertility rate drops to unprecedented lows, threatening the nation’s future stability and survival. A country needs a fertility rate of 2.1—the average number of children a woman must have in her lifetime to maintain a stable population. However, Korea’s fertility rate fell to just 0.72 in 2023 and is expected to decline further in 2024. At this pace, Korea’s median age is projected to rise to 63.4, and the total population is estimated to halve by 2100. This demographic crisis is fueled by several factors, including long work hours, a high gender pay gap, and skyrocketing housing costs.

South Korea’s working culture is notorious for its long hours and relentless pace, leaving limited room for personal life. Most Koreans work overtime and won’t leave the office until 8 or 9 p.m. This creates a challenging cycle, especially for women who return home late and only have time to clean the house before going to bed. The intense pressure to excel professionally stems from a societal mindset that equates falling behind in promotions with failure. This environment makes it difficult for Korean women to balance demanding work schedules and the time and energy needed to raise children, leading many to opt out of parenthood altogether.

Korean women are among the most highly educated in OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries, yet they face the largest gender pay gap within the organization. This financial inequality pushes women to work harder, resulting in most women prioritizing their careers over starting a family. While both men and women are entitled to a year’s leave during the first eight years of their child’s life, only 7 percent of fathers take this leave, compared to 70 percent of mothers. Those who use maternity leave frequently face stigma from their employers, which hinders their chances for future promotions. The imbalance between men and women places the burden of childcare disproportionately on women, making the prospect of having children less appealing for those striving for professional success.

Raising children in South Korea comes with staggering financial burdens. The country is infamous for its soaring apartment prices and absurd education costs, making it one of the most expensive places in the world to raise a child. From as early as four years old, children are sent to a plethora of expensive private tutoring classes known as hagwons, which can cost up to $890 per month. These hagwons cover a wide range of subjects, such as mathematics, English, musical instruments, and even taekwondo. This practice has become so ingrained in Korean culture that sending children to hagwons is seen as a necessity to ensure academic success. Without this supplementary education, children often fall behind academically, struggling to meet the competitive educational standards that significantly impact future opportunities in higher education and employment. A staggering 94 percent of parents reported that sending their children to hagwons was a financial burden. For many young couples, who already struggle to sustain themselves financially, starting a family feels like an unattainable goal.

As the government acknowledges this crisis, President Yoon Suk-yeol’s administration has implemented measures to support parents. The government has invested more than $200 billion in programs aimed at supporting mothers and increasing the birth rate. One key initiative is raising the stipend given to parents of one-year-olds to one million won per month by 2024. Parental leave has also been extended from one year to a year and a half. Additionally, families with children will receive monthly cash allowances and childcare subsidies from the government. These measures aim to alleviate some of the financial and social pressures that discourage couples from having children.

Despite these efforts, the fertility rate continues to decline. The growing aging population adds further strain to the country’s economy and social systems. Korea’s mandatory military service, which requires young men to serve, will face significant challenges due to a shrinking pool of eligible participants. A declining workforce could lead to economic stagnation, with fewer workers to sustain the nation’s industries and contribute to its pension system. Experts warn that if this trend persists, Korea risks losing its competitive edge on the global stage and could face severe consequences, including population collapse.

To combat this crisis effectively, Korea must address the root causes that discourage couples from starting families. Policies must go beyond financial incentives and tackle the systemic issues of overwork, gender inequality, and the high costs of housing and education. Reducing work hours and creating a more family-friendly work culture could give parents the flexibility they need to balance careers and family life. Encouraging more fathers to take paternity leave and promoting shared responsibilities in childcare could alleviate the disproportionate burden on women. Moreover, implementing measures to control housing prices and regulate the costs of private education could make raising children more affordable for young families.

The fertility crisis in South Korea is not just a national issue but a global concern, as it highlights the challenges faced by developed nations with aging populations and low birth rates. Korea’s experience serves as a cautionary tale for other countries grappling with similar demographic challenges. The government’s response to this crisis will determine whether the nation can overcome its demographic decline or face long-term social and economic instability.

South Korea’s plummeting fertility rate poses a grave threat to its future stability and prosperity. While the government has taken steps to address the issue, more comprehensive and systemic changes are needed to reverse the trend. By fostering a more equitable, supportive, and family-friendly environment, Korea can hope to secure a brighter future for its citizens and ensure the survival of its population in the decades to come.