Births in South Korea surge 15% in first half of 2026

South Korea recorded its highest number of births in the first half of 2026, with the total rising by a record 15% compared to the same period in 2025. June alone saw 23,111 newborns, the largest monthly figure in over seven years. The population statistics ministry attributed the surge to several factors, including an increase in the number of women in their 30s and 40s, who are the primary age groups for marriage and childbirth.

The total fertility rate, an average measure of the number of children a woman is expected to have, also increased to 0.88 in June, up from 0.77 a year earlier. The government reported the 24th consecutive monthly rise in births, dating back to July 2024. The shift in attitudes towards marriage and childbirth, along with supportive policies, is believed to have contributed to the upward trend.