Study shows gap between ideal, actual number of children among S. Koreans

Seoul, August 9 - A recent study reveals a significant disparity between the ideal and actual number of children among South Koreans, with financial burdens and other factors playing a major role in the decision to have fewer children than desired. According to the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy, 71% of surveyed individuals, aged 20 to 49, considered having two or more children as their ideal number.

However, the actual number of children reported by respondents ranged from one to zero, with 44.9% stating they had one child, 27.1% two children, and 25.9% no children at all.

The average ideal number of children was calculated to be 1.76, while the average actual or expected number of children was found to be 1.07. The primary reason cited by those who had fewer children than their ideal number was financial costs, with 40.4% of respondents pointing to challenges in balancing work and childcare. In contrast, those who had more children than their ideal number attributed their decision to strong family support (37.5%) and favorable work-life balance (22.5%).

The study's findings emphasize the significant impact of financial factors on the decision to have children and highlight the complex interplay of various factors such as policy support, childcare burden, and career continuity that influence the number of children families choose to have.