Seoul: South Korea's birth rate is projected to have increased in 2024 for the first time in nine years but shows significant regional differences, the statistics agency reported. The number of newborns between January and November reached 220,094, marking a 3 percent rise from the previous year, according to data compiled by Statistics Korea. This development comes after a 7.7 percent year-on-year decline in 2023, which extended the decrease for an eighth consecutive year.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the data indicated that the number of births in Seoul and other metropolitan areas has exceeded the previous year's figures, while other regions experienced relatively weaker growth. Births in Seoul maintained an upward trend throughout last year, despite slight dips in January and March. The city notably recorded double-digit growth in births for three consecutive months starting in September. Similarly, Gyeonggi Province, which surrounds the capital, also saw double-digit growth in birth rates from September to November.

In contrast, North Chungcheong Province and the southern island of Jeju displayed modest growth rates, with on-year increases of 3.1 percent and 6 percent in November, respectively. The agency attributed these regional differences to the tendency of newlyweds and individuals in their 20s and 30s to reside predominantly in metropolitan areas.

South Korea has faced challenges with a declining birth rate as many young people delay or forgo marriage and parenthood. In response, the government has introduced policies to encourage marriage and support child-rearing, including benefits for newlyweds and expanded child care assistance.