South Korea birth rates rise for 24th consecutive month

birth rate fertility rate demographics population decline marriage trends

South Korea is experiencing a notable upward trend in birth rates. Government data indicates that births in June rose 15.6 percent year-on-year, marking the 24th consecutive month of growth. The total fertility rate for June reached 0.88, up 0.11 from the previous year, though it remains significantly below the 2.1 threshold required for a stable population.

Recent data shows that the number of births in the first half of the year increased by 15.4 percent compared to the same period last year, the highest growth rate since 1981. This increase is largely attributed to a recovery in marriage rates following the pandemic and a rising number of women in their 30s. Notably, birth rates among women in their late 30s and early 40s have reached record highs.

Despite these gains, South Korea's fertility rate remains the lowest among OECD member nations. While first-child births have seen a significant surge, the proportion of second or subsequent children has decreased. Additionally, regional disparities persist, with Seoul reporting some of the lowest fertility rates in the country.

Entities

Ministry of Data and Statistics · OECD · South Korea

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[● 2 SOURCES] The fertility rate for women aged 35–39 reached a record high of 52.1. biz.heraldcorp.com · www.seoul.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] The fertility rate for women aged 45–49 reached its highest level since 1988. biz.heraldcorp.com · www.seoul.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] The proportion of multiple births, such as twins, exceeded 6% for the first time. biz.heraldcorp.com · www.seoul.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] The number of live births in 2024 was 254,300, a 6.7% increase from the previous year. biz.heraldcorp.com · www.seoul.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] South Korea's fertility rate remains the lowest among OECD member nations. biz.heraldcorp.com · www.seoul.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] The average age of mothers at childbirth was 33.8 years. biz.heraldcorp.com · www.seoul.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] The total fertility rate in South Korea rose to 0.80 in 2024, up 0.05 from the previous year. biz.heraldcorp.com · www.seoul.co.kr
[● 2 SOURCES] First-born children accounted for 62.4% of all births in 2024. biz.heraldcorp.com · www.seoul.co.kr