The total fertility rate hit a new low of 0.78, with South Korea's birth rate dropping below 250000 last year
According to statistics released by the South Korean Bureau of Statistics on August 30th, the number of newborns in South Korea decreased by 11000 to 249000 year-on-year in 2022, marking the first time since 1970 that the relevant statistics began to fall below 250000. The total fertility rate in 2022 fell to 0.78, also setting a new historical low.
The birth population of South Korea exceeded 1 million in 1970, dropped below 500000 in 2002, and below 300000 in 2020. Looking at the second quarter of this year alone, the birth rate decreased by 6.8% year-on-year to 56087 people, setting a new historical low. The total fertility rate was 0.7, a year-on-year decrease of 0.05, setting a record for the lowest single season.
The total fertility rate in South Korea decreased from 4.53 in 1970 to 1.74 in 1984, and then to 0.98 in 2018, falling below 1 for the first time. Based on 2021, South Korea is the only member country of the OECD with a total fertility rate below 1, while setting a new historical low for the OECD's fertility rate.
According to all secondary administrative regions in South Korea, the total fertility rate in Gwangyue District of Seoul is only 0.42, ranking last among all districts and cities. Lingguang County, Jeollanam do has a birth rate of 1.8, leading the country in terms of fertility rate. Last year, the average age of fathers of newborns was 36 years old, reaching the highest level since the start of relevant statistics in 2010. The average age of mothers of newborns was 33.5 years old, also reaching a new historical high.