Despite global recognition of its extremely low birth rate, South Korea has recently started to see small but noticeable improvements. Previously, the country’s total fertility rate had fallen to around 0.7, but it has now risen slightly to 0.8, suggesting the possibility of a more positive future. In this context, it has become increasingly important for the government to introduce policies that encourage people to have children.

 

One recent policy focuses on reducing the financial burden of early childhood education. The Korean government announced that it will expand education support from children aged four and five to those aged three to five. This policy aims to ease the costs of childcare and kindergarten, which many families struggle to afford.

 

According to an announcement posted on the Ministry of Education’s online platform on January 29, the government plans to spend 470.3 billion won (about $320 million) on childcare and early education support. Parents with children attending public kindergartens will receive 10,000 won (about $7) each month, while those whose children attend private kindergartens will receive 28,000 won (about $19) per month. Childcare centers, which usually offer more flexible hours than kindergartens and can take care of children for longer periods of time, will also receive 28,000 won (about $19).

 

In addition, because many parents work full-time today, after-school care has become increasingly important. To address this need, the government will provide institutions with 5,000 to 7,000 won (about $3–$5) to support additional after-school programs. For children from families with lower incomes who are officially classified under the government’s poverty support criteria, an additional 20,000 won (about $14) will be provided to help reduce educational inequality.

 

These policies may be seen as a step toward addressing South Korea’s serious low birth rate problem, especially since they reflect many parents’ concerns about the high cost of raising children. However, these measures may only provide temporary relief. They do not fully address the deeper issue of excessive educational spending, particularly the heavy reliance on private education, which places a major financial burden on young couples and discourages them from having children.

 

If the number of children in South Korea begins to increase again, the government will need to consider long-term reforms that address the deeper structural problems driving private education costs.