South Korea Leads Peers in Childbirth Anxiety Over Economic Burden, Study Finds (Yonhap)
SEOUL, Jan. 11 (Korea Bizwire) — South Korea’s younger generation views childbirth as both deeply rewarding and uniquely burdensome, according to a new international survey that highlights the country’s persistent struggle with low fertility.
A report released Sunday by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, based on a 2024 survey of adults aged 20 to 49 in South Korea, Germany, Japan, France and Sweden, found that young Koreans were more likely than their peers abroad to believe that having children would bring greater joy and life satisfaction.
At the same time, they expressed the strongest concerns about the economic costs of raising a family.
About 74 percent of South Korean respondents said having children would increase happiness and fulfillment, the highest share among the five countries surveyed.
Yet more than 92 percent also agreed that childbirth would significantly raise financial burdens — far exceeding the levels reported in Japan, France, Germany or Sweden.
A recent government report has revealed significant disparities in the availability and cost of postpartum care centers across South Korea. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
The survey polled 2,500 adults in each country and examined attitudes toward marriage, childbirth and parenting. Among unmarried respondents, South Korea recorded the highest intention to marry, with 52.9 percent expressing interest, followed by Sweden and Germany.
But when asked about plans to have children, South Korea ranked fourth, with only 31.2 percent indicating an intention to do so, ahead of Japan alone.
Even among those planning to have children, South Koreans expected the smallest families, with an average of 1.74 children, compared with more than two in Germany and Sweden.
Researchers said the findings suggest that economic anxiety may be a decisive factor behind South Korea’s low birth rate, despite broadly positive emotional views of parenthood.
“The data indicate that financial concerns are closely linked to Korea’s low fertility,” the report said, adding that stronger institutional support and policies aimed at easing economic pressure could help shift attitudes toward childbirth.
South Korea has one of the world’s lowest fertility rates, a demographic challenge that continues to weigh heavily on its long-term economic and social outlook.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
