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South Korean Youth Optimistic About Marriage, Childbearing Concerns Remain

1/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs finds young South Koreans are more optimistic about having children than peers in Germany, Japan, France, and Sweden.
The study of 2,500 adults aged 20 to 49 shows South Korea has the highest marriage intention at 52.9%.
Childbearing intention is 31.2% with an average of 1.74 children, the lowest among the countries.
Respondents cite significant concerns about the economic burden of childbirth.

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Story summary

The Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs finds young South Koreans are more optimistic about having children than peers in Germany, Japan, France, and Sweden.
The study of 2,500 adults aged 20 to 49 shows South Korea has the highest marriage intention at 52.9%.
Childbearing intention is 31.2% with an average of 1.74 children, the lowest among the countries.
Respondents cite significant concerns about the economic burden of childbirth.