# South Korean regional birth rate increases

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-regional-birth-rate-increases
> Updated: 2026-09-14T23:40:14.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Local governments in South Korea are reporting increases in birth rates following the implementation of various childcare and economic support policies.

In Gangjin County, the total fertility rate rose from 0.89 in 2022 to 1.65 in 2025, supported by a childcare allowance policy providing up to 600,000 KRW per month per child. The county is also preparing for economic revitalization through the upcoming opening of the Gangjin-Gwangju highway.

Similarly, the Gangnam-gu district in Seoul has reported four consecutive years of rising births from 2023 to 2026. The district has implemented comprehensive subsidies for childbirth and childcare, including tiered payments based on the number of children, and provides infertility treatment costs regardless of income. To promote paternal involvement, the district introduced a ‘Father’s Childcare Leave Incentive’ and has allocated significant funding toward expanding childcare services.

## Claims

- Gangnam-gu has seen a continuous increase in births for four consecutive years from 2023 to 2026. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The number of births in the first half of the year reached 1,629, representing a 13.2% increase year-on-year. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Childbirth support funds are 2 million won for the first and second child, 3 million won for the third, and 5 million won for the fourth child or more. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The district introduced a 'Father's Childcare Leave Incentive' providing 300,000 won per month for up to one year to eligible men. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The district plans to expand part-time childcare providers from 7 to 10 locations between 2027 and 2030. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The district allocated 12.2 billion won for child care services, the highest among Seoul's autonomous districts. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-14: Gangnam-gu reports four consecutive years of rising birth rates

Gangnam-gu reports four consecutive years of rising birth rates, supported by extensive subsidies, fatherhood incentives, and expanded childcare services.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gangnam-gu-reports-four-consecutive-years-of-rising-birth-rates

### 2026-09-06: Gangjin County sees rising birth rates and prepares for highway economic impact

Gangjin County reports rising fertility rates following a major childcare allowance program and is planning economic revitalization strategies ahead of the Gangjin-Gwangju highway opening.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/gangjin-county-sees-rising-birth-rates-and-prepares-for-highway-economic-impact

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Cite as: South Korean regional birth rate increases. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/south-korean-regional-birth-rate-increases