In October, the number of newborns nationwide recorded the largest increase in 12 years, showing signs of a rebound in the birth rate. The number of marriages also showed a recovery trend after the COVID-19 endemic, marking the highest number in five years.
According to the 'Population Trends for October' released by Statistics Korea on the 26th, the number of births in October this year was 21,398, an increase of 2,520 (13.4%) compared to the same period last year. This is the largest increase since October 2012 (an increase of 3,530), and the highest rate of increase since November 2010 (17.5%).
The number of births has increased for four consecutive months since July this year, expanding each month. In October, the number of births increased year-on-year in all provinces and cities. This is the first nationwide increase in births since March 2015.
The cumulative number of births from January to October this year was 199,999, exceeding the same period last year (196,193). If this trend continues, the annual number of births may show an increase for the first time in nine years. However, it remains at a lower level compared to the same period in 2021.
The government analyzed that the marriages delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic have been concentrated after the endemic, leading to an increase in births. The Yoon Suk Yeol government also considers that the strengthening of support policies for childbirth and marriage, as well as changing perceptions of marriage and childbirth among young people, have had a positive impact.
In October, the number of marriages was 19,551, an increase of 3,568 (22.3%) compared to the same period last year. This is the highest figure for the same month in five years since 2019 (20,327). The number of marriages has been increasing for seven consecutive months since April this year. The number of marriages has increased in all provinces and cities regionally.
On the other hand, the number of deaths in October was 29,819, a decrease of 974 (3.2%) compared to the same period last year. With deaths surpassing births, the natural decrease in population in October recorded 8,421. The number of divorces was 7,300, a decrease of 616 (7.8%) year-on-year.