The province attributes this positive trend to its aggressive support policies and incentives for childbirth. (Image: Kobiz Media)
CHEONGJU, Mar. 1 (Korea Bizwire) – In a remarkable departure from national trends, North Chungcheong Province emerged as the sole region among South Korea’s 17 provinces and cities to record an increase in both the number of newborns and the total fertility rate in 2022.
According to data from Statistics Korea, North Chungcheong Province witnessed a 1.7% increase in births, with 7,580 newborns compared to the previous year, while the rest of the country saw a significant decline in birth rates.
Nationally, the number of newborns fell to 229,970, marking a 7.7% decrease from 2022. This trend of declining births was consistent across all regions except for North Chungcheong Province, highlighting the province’s unique demographic shift amidst a national backdrop of falling birth rates.
North Chungcheong Province’s fertility rate, which measures the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, also saw a modest increase of 0.02, reaching 0.89.
This is particularly noteworthy given that the national fertility rate hit a record low of 0.72, underscoring the exceptional nature of the province’s demographic resilience.
The province attributes this positive trend to its aggressive support policies and incentives for childbirth. In an unprecedented move, North Chungcheong Province, along with a few other regions, has been providing substantial childcare allowances of up to 10 million won to families with newborns since January 1, 2023.
Moreover, the province has been proactive in creating a favorable environment for expectant mothers and families. It was the first in the country to enact an ordinance honoring pregnant women, which led to the implementation of unique initiatives such as dedicated ambulance services for pregnant women, support for organic produce, and subsidies for egg freezing procedures.
The influx of high-tech companies in sectors like semiconductors and biotechnology, bringing quality jobs to the region, is also believed to have contributed to the increase in birth rates, according to the province’s analysis.
Governor Kim Young-hwan expressed pride in North Chungcheong Province’s achievement as the only region in the country to reverse the declining birth trend, stating, “This significant outcome underscores our efforts.
This year, we will vigorously pursue low birth rate initiatives, including the construction of half-price apartments, expanded support for families with multiple children, and preferential treatment for pregnant women.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
