South Korea sees rare rise in births amid ongoing population crisis

South Korea is witnessing a small but notable rise in births after years of steep demographic decline, offering

SEOUL: South Korea is witnessing a small but notable rise in births after years of steep demographic decline, offering cautious optimism in a country struggling with one of the world’s lowest fertility rates.

The increase comes despite long-term concerns over population shrinkage, with experts still warning that the trend remains far from a sustainable recovery.

New mothers like 32-year-old Kim Su-jin represent a growing group of couples choosing parenthood despite financial and social pressures. She said she and her husband decided to have a child after overcoming worries about housing, education costs, and job stability.

South Korea’s birth rate had previously fallen to record lows, but official data shows a gradual rebound since 2023. Nearly 23,000 babies were born in February 2026, marking the highest figure for that month in seven years.

The increase represents a 13.6% year-on-year rise, the strongest February growth since records began in 1981. Marriages have also risen since mid-2022, contributing to the uptick in births.

The government has introduced extensive pro-natalist policies to encourage childbirth. These include cash incentives, monthly child allowances, housing loans, fertility treatment subsidies, and paid parental leave.

Some parents say financial aid has helped reduce the burden. Others, however, argue that the support is limited compared to the high cost of raising children, especially education expenses and housing pressures.

Experts remain divided on the cause of the increase. Some believe government incentives have improved conditions for young families. Others argue the rise is temporary and linked to delayed births during the pandemic period.

Economists also point to a demographic “echo effect,” where a larger generation born in the 1990s is now entering childbearing age, naturally increasing birth numbers.

Despite the recent rise, South Korea’s fertility rate remains critically low at around 0.8, far below the replacement level of 2.1 needed to sustain population levels.

Social challenges continue to weigh heavily on young couples. High education costs, job insecurity, and lifestyle changes are all cited as major barriers to having children.

Some analysts warn that the current rebound may not last. They say births could fall again once the current age group passes its peak reproductive years.

While the increase is seen as a positive sign, experts stress that long-term structural changes are still needed. Without sustained policy support, South Korea’s population decline is expected to continue.