This file photo taken Feb. 28, 2024, shows a postnatal care center in Seoul. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, May 28 (Korea Bizwire) – The population is anticipated to drop in nearly all regions by 2052, except for Gyeonggi Province and the central city of Sejong, due to the chronically low birth rates, a report showed Tuesday.
According to the report released by Statistics Korea, the population in 15 out of 17 provinces and cities in the country is expected to decline by 2052.
The report also noted that all regions, except for Sejong, experienced more deaths than births in 2022, and that the city expected to join this trend starting in 2045. However, Sejong will continue to see a net inflow of population, though its overall size may still decline, the agency said.
The report also said the median age in South Jeolla Province will reach 64.7 in 2052, followed by North Gyeongsang Province with 64.6. That of Seoul was estimated at 56.1.
The number of babies born in South Korea fell below the 20,000 level for the first time for any February this year, amid deepening concerns about the country’s demographics due to rapid aging and the ultra-low birth rate.
Reflecting the situation, the number of South Koreans aged 14 and below, which came to 5.95 million in 2022, making up 11.5 percent of the total population, is expected to plunge to 3.61 million in 2052, accounting for just 7.8 percent.
In contrast, the number of individuals aged 65 and above, which stood at 8.98 million, or 17.4 percent of the total population, is projected to reach 18.86 million, or 40.8 percent, by 2052, the report said.
(Yonhap)
