South Korea's fertility rate fell to a new low in 2022
High child care and education costs, a demanding work culture and changing attitudes to gender equality are contributing to South Korea's low fertility rate, CNBC's Chery Kang reports. South Korea's fertility rate is the lowest among OECD countries, and has been below the replacement level for ove
South Korea has one of the lowest fertility rates in the world. Chery Kang of CNBC reports that South Korea's fertility rate is due to high child care costs and education, demanding work cultures, and changing attitudes towards gender equality. South Korea's export industry is heavily dependent on it, and the work culture that it has reflects this. High pressure and long hours are the norm. This leaves little time for family planning. A shift in attitudes towards gender equality is resulting in women choosing to pursue careers rather than starting families. All of these factors are contributing to South Korea’s low fertility rate.