South Korea is grappling with the world's lowest birth rates, yet the fertility clinic sector is experiencing unprecedented growth. As Kim Mi-ae shares her experience with in vitro fertilisation (IVF), the waits at clinics highlight an increasingly desperate desire for parenthood among South Koreans. "When I went in January, it felt like everyone had made a New Year's resolution to have a baby! Even with a reservation, I waited over three hours," she recalls, underlining the booming demand for fertility services.
The landscape of family planning is shifting; a notable rise in fertility treatments—from approximately 135,000 in 2018 to nearly 200,000 by 2022—indicates a seismic change in societal views towards conception. Experts attribute this trend to younger generations striving for greater control over their reproductive choices. "We have a young generation… that is used to being in control of its life," says Sarah Harper CBE, Professor of Gerontology at the University of Oxford. Increasing numbers of women are opting for egg freezing or engaging in IVF as a determined effort to conceive.
While South Korea has long been plagued by declining birth rates—record lows of 0.98 in 2018, 0.84 in 2020, and 0.72 in 2023—the latest statistics reveal a slight uptick in 2024, bringing the rate to 0.75. "It's a small bump, but still a meaningful one," remarks Seulki Choi from the Korea Development Institute, instilling cautious optimism among some experts. As South Korea's government confronts a demographic crisis with growing numbers of elderly citizens, this increase is a positive sign that may reflect a long-term trend rather than a temporary anomaly.
Park Soo-in, a 35-year-old advertising professional, shares her story about postponed parenthood due to busy work schedules and societal expectations. After a shift in her circumstances, she and her husband decided to seek fertility treatments. Indeed, the potential value of the country's burgeoning fertility industry could surpass $2 billion by 2030. Jennifer Sciubba, president of the Population Reference Bureau, points out that this trend signals deep-seated challenges, with many women wanting to have children but facing significant hurdles.
Several financial and cultural barriers compound the issue, including high childcare costs, expectations regarding women's roles, and long working hours. A recent UN survey indicates that more than half of South Koreans express a desire for children, yet affordability remains a significant obstacle. South Korean women are now averaging 33.6 years old at their first childbirth—a striking statistic that underscores the delays many wait for as life situations complicate family planning.
The process of IVF can quickly become financially burdensome, and while government subsidies exist—for instance, up to 2 million won for egg freezing—out-of-pocket costs for related expenses can still be daunting. For individuals like Jang Sae-ryeon, who has undergone multiple IVF cycles, financial strain becomes an inextricable part of their reproductive journey. "Without money, you simply can't move forward," she emphasizes.
Despite increasing pressures, the push for family planning persists. Many women continue to navigate their careers while undergoing fertility treatments, often feeling the stress from workplace expectations. For Jang, a demanding job led her to leave the workforce, highlighting the struggle of balancing a career with the pursuit of motherhood.
Looking ahead, the continued rise in demand for fertility services illustrates the complexities of motherhood in South Korea. While challenges abound, stories of hope and determination emerge as many remain resolved to fulfill their dreams of parenthood amid South Korea's evolving cultural landscape.
The landscape of family planning is shifting; a notable rise in fertility treatments—from approximately 135,000 in 2018 to nearly 200,000 by 2022—indicates a seismic change in societal views towards conception. Experts attribute this trend to younger generations striving for greater control over their reproductive choices. "We have a young generation… that is used to being in control of its life," says Sarah Harper CBE, Professor of Gerontology at the University of Oxford. Increasing numbers of women are opting for egg freezing or engaging in IVF as a determined effort to conceive.
While South Korea has long been plagued by declining birth rates—record lows of 0.98 in 2018, 0.84 in 2020, and 0.72 in 2023—the latest statistics reveal a slight uptick in 2024, bringing the rate to 0.75. "It's a small bump, but still a meaningful one," remarks Seulki Choi from the Korea Development Institute, instilling cautious optimism among some experts. As South Korea's government confronts a demographic crisis with growing numbers of elderly citizens, this increase is a positive sign that may reflect a long-term trend rather than a temporary anomaly.
Park Soo-in, a 35-year-old advertising professional, shares her story about postponed parenthood due to busy work schedules and societal expectations. After a shift in her circumstances, she and her husband decided to seek fertility treatments. Indeed, the potential value of the country's burgeoning fertility industry could surpass $2 billion by 2030. Jennifer Sciubba, president of the Population Reference Bureau, points out that this trend signals deep-seated challenges, with many women wanting to have children but facing significant hurdles.
Several financial and cultural barriers compound the issue, including high childcare costs, expectations regarding women's roles, and long working hours. A recent UN survey indicates that more than half of South Koreans express a desire for children, yet affordability remains a significant obstacle. South Korean women are now averaging 33.6 years old at their first childbirth—a striking statistic that underscores the delays many wait for as life situations complicate family planning.
The process of IVF can quickly become financially burdensome, and while government subsidies exist—for instance, up to 2 million won for egg freezing—out-of-pocket costs for related expenses can still be daunting. For individuals like Jang Sae-ryeon, who has undergone multiple IVF cycles, financial strain becomes an inextricable part of their reproductive journey. "Without money, you simply can't move forward," she emphasizes.
Despite increasing pressures, the push for family planning persists. Many women continue to navigate their careers while undergoing fertility treatments, often feeling the stress from workplace expectations. For Jang, a demanding job led her to leave the workforce, highlighting the struggle of balancing a career with the pursuit of motherhood.
Looking ahead, the continued rise in demand for fertility services illustrates the complexities of motherhood in South Korea. While challenges abound, stories of hope and determination emerge as many remain resolved to fulfill their dreams of parenthood amid South Korea's evolving cultural landscape.
