In South Korea, known for having the world's lowest birth rate, an unexpected boom in fertility clinics is providing a glimmer of hope. The demand for in vitro fertilisation (IVF) services has surged since 2018, with treatments increasing by nearly 50% and one in six babies born in Seoul through assisted reproductive technologies. The experience has been eye-opening for many, including 36-year-old Kim Mi-ae, who noted the "crazy" wait times at clinics since starting her second IVF treatment.
Experts indicate that changing attitudes towards family planning are helping fuel this growth. Today's younger generation is more focused on controlling their reproductive choices, with single women increasingly opting to freeze their eggs and couples turning to IVF to address fertility issues. This shift may help counteract the severe demographic crisis facing the nation, where one in five residents is over the age of 65, and birth rates have plummeted to 0.75 babies per woman in 2024, the first increase in almost a decade.
Yet, the road to parenthood is fraught with challenges. Many young South Koreans cite financial constraints, work pressures, and societal expectations as significant barriers to starting a family. The average age of first-time mothers is about 33.6 years, one of the highest globally. While South Korea's government is investing in fertility treatment subsidies, many couples still endure high out-of-pocket costs associated with IVF.
Furthermore, strong workplace cultures can impede individuals' ability to balance treatment with work commitments. Women report difficulty arranging leave for fertility procedures, leading some, like Jang Sae-ryeon, to leave their jobs entirely. For these women, the emotional and financial toll of trying to conceive places immense pressure on their aspirations for family life. Still, the desire for children remains heartfelt and strong, as women like Jang express their dreams of parenthood against the backdrop of societal expectations.
Experts indicate that changing attitudes towards family planning are helping fuel this growth. Today's younger generation is more focused on controlling their reproductive choices, with single women increasingly opting to freeze their eggs and couples turning to IVF to address fertility issues. This shift may help counteract the severe demographic crisis facing the nation, where one in five residents is over the age of 65, and birth rates have plummeted to 0.75 babies per woman in 2024, the first increase in almost a decade.
Yet, the road to parenthood is fraught with challenges. Many young South Koreans cite financial constraints, work pressures, and societal expectations as significant barriers to starting a family. The average age of first-time mothers is about 33.6 years, one of the highest globally. While South Korea's government is investing in fertility treatment subsidies, many couples still endure high out-of-pocket costs associated with IVF.
Furthermore, strong workplace cultures can impede individuals' ability to balance treatment with work commitments. Women report difficulty arranging leave for fertility procedures, leading some, like Jang Sae-ryeon, to leave their jobs entirely. For these women, the emotional and financial toll of trying to conceive places immense pressure on their aspirations for family life. Still, the desire for children remains heartfelt and strong, as women like Jang express their dreams of parenthood against the backdrop of societal expectations.
