In March, marriages and births in Seoul increased for the 12th consecutive month since April of last year. The number of births was the highest in three years as of March.
According to the 8th report from the Statistics Korea and Seoul city, the number of newborns in Seoul in March totaled 3,786, an increase of 8.7% from the same month last year. This follows a 9.7% increase in April of last year compared to the previous year, resulting in 12 consecutive months of growth. The number of births is the highest since March 2022 (4,027).
In March, there were also 3,814 marriages in Seoul, which is a 20% increase compared to the same month last year. Similar to the number of births, this has been on the rise for 12 consecutive months since a 27.8% increase in April of last year.
The Seoul city government reported that the increase in marriages and births is notably evident following the COVID-19 endemic, along with the combined effects of low birth rate policies.
To reduce the burdens on families giving birth, Seoul city continues to offer support in various areas, including transportation, parenting supplies, and housing policies.
First, pregnant women residing in Seoul will receive 700,000 won for transportation costs. This is intended to allow them to use their preferred transportation methods, such as taxis, buses, or subways, with ease. Additionally, a discount mall has recently opened, allowing them to purchase parenting supplies at up to half price.
This year, housing policies targeting newlyweds will also be strengthened. Households without housing that give birth will receive a maximum of 7.2 million won in housing support for two years. To ensure that these households can continue to reside in Seoul after giving birth, a monthly maximum of 300,000 won will be provided for at least two years, reflecting the difference in housing costs between the metropolitan area and Seoul. This is applicable to households that give birth this year with a median income at or below 180% and with jeonse under 300 million won or monthly rent under 1.3 million won.
In addition, since 2023, Seoul city has been providing treatment cost support to all couples experiencing infertility, regardless of income.