06/09/2026
[𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐉𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐄𝐀𝐑𝐂𝐇]
𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒅𝒆 4: 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑩𝒂𝒃𝒚𝒍𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝑲𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝑹𝒆𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒐𝒇 𝑲𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒂
South Korea’s total fertility rate fell to a record low of 0.72 children per woman, ranking last among OECD countries in 2023. Despite extensive government support, including cash incentives, longer parental leave, and housing assistance, the country continues to face a deepening demographic challenge.
Inspired by this pressing issue, the Project Research Series’s final episode will explore the economic and social forces behind South Korea’s declining birth rates and examine whether the current policy responses can create a lasting change.
Our research focuses on three key factors:
💼 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞
Long working hours and an overtime-driven culture restrict young adults' time for relationships and family.
🏠 𝐂𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠
Limited wage growth despite high housing, education, and childcare costs makes marriage and parenthood increasingly unaffordable.
⚖️ 𝐆𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲
Persistent wage disparities, unequal caregiving responsibilities, and motherhood-related career barriers have made professional and financial independence a priority to many women.
Can South Korea secure its demographic future, or are its current policies merely delaying a deeper crisis?
To explore these factors and South Korea’s policy responses in greater detail, read our full research on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/p/gZTfDu83
This research also marks the end of our Project Research Series. Stay tuned for more fresh perspectives and economic insights from RMIT Vietnam Economics Club!
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Special thanks to:
✍️ Author: Hailey Le
🎨 Designers: Tram Ngoc & Lam My
🔍 Editor: Khoi Tran
🖋️Content writer: Lam Anh
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