South Korea maternity ward shortage hits regional areas

South Korea is facing a critical collapse of its primary maternity healthcare infrastructure. Data released by Representative So Byeong-hun of the Democratic Party, obtained from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, reveals that as of 2024, 71 out of 226 local municipalities (31.4%) have no maternity wards at all.

The shortage is particularly acute in regional areas. In Gyeongsangbuk-do, 11 municipalities including Gyeongsan and Mungyeong lack delivery facilities. In Jeollanam-do, 12 municipalities, including Naju and Muan, are without maternity services. This has forced residents in rural areas to travel to other regions for childbirth.

Between 2018 and 2024, the total number of medical institutions operating maternity wards nationwide dropped from 721 to 528. The decline is most severe among local clinics, which saw a 48% reduction, falling from 396 to 206 facilities. While large general hospitals have remained stable or slightly increased, the local primary care network is eroding. Despite the government's introduction of regional safety policy fees in late 2023, the number of maternity facilities has failed to show a significant rebound.