Increase Rate of Newborns in Mapo-gu at 10.87% 'Noticeable'... Why?

Mapo-gu Sees 8.45% Increase in Births in 2024 Compared to Last Year, 10.87% Rise as of August
Sunlight Center Provides Customized Support from Pregnancy Preparation to Postpartum Care
Support Center Operated for Unmarried Mothers Facing Challenges Due to Non-Marital Pregnancies

Mapo-gu, Seoul (Mayor Park Gang-su) is gaining attention as a leading district addressing the low birthrate issue, with a noticeable increase in the number of newborns through demand-centered one-stop pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare support policies.

According to Statistics Korea's "August 2024 Population Trends," while the number of newborns in South Korea increased by 5.9% compared to the same month last year, Mapo-gu recorded a nearly double increase of 10.87%, presenting a new model for birthrate growth.

In particular, the annual increase shows that from January to September 2023, 1,231 newborns were born in Mapo-gu, whereas in the same period in 2024, 1,335 newborns were born, an increase of 104 babies or 8.45%.

The remarkable increase in newborns in Mapo-gu is largely attributed to the "Haetbit Center," which opened in July 2023, and the "Cheo-kkeut Center," a support center for unmarried mothers that began operations in November.

The Haetbit Center provides a one-stop service covering all processes from pregnancy preparation to postpartum care, operating programs such as support for infertile couples, pregnant women registration and customized health management, prevention of prenatal and postpartum depression, and home visits to childbirth families, receiving positive responses.

Looking at the achievements over one year of operation, the number of medical expense support cases for infertile couples preparing for pregnancy increased by about 165%, from 709 cases in September 2023 to 1,875 cases in September 2024, and the birthrate through infertility treatments reached 14% among those undergoing infertility procedures as of September 2024.

Additionally, prenatal and postpartum mental health screenings were conducted for 1,317 childbirth families, with 40 individuals linked to relevant institutions for intensive care. Postpartum care expenses were also supported in 2,122 cases, aiding proper postpartum recovery.

Especially, various programs such as Saturday classes for prospective parents and education on nutrition and oral care were prepared to help expectant parents properly prepare from before pregnancy through postpartum. A total of 160 sessions were held by September 2024, with 2,411 participants benefiting greatly in preparing for childbirth and childcare.

To support the healing and prenatal education of pregnant women who mainly use the Haetbit Center, Mapo-gu Public Health Center created a flower path of about 150㎡ outdoors on the second floor. Furthermore, to promote a culture of healthy childbirth and consideration for pregnant women, events such as a concert commemorating Pregnant Women’s Day and parenting lectures were held, receiving great responses.

In addition, the district operates the Cheo-kkeut Center to support unmarried mothers facing difficulties due to pregnancy outside of marriage.

The Cheo-kkeut Center provides comprehensive services tailored to the living environment and economic conditions of the target individuals by linking with local welfare facilities such as Mapo Aeranwon, systematically assisting unmarried mothers with childbirth and childcare beyond customized health management through pregnant women registration.

Unmarried mothers receive various supports to maintain stable lives, including childcare and education expenses after childbirth, vocational training and self-support work assistance for independence, and provision of public rental housing.

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, said, “Through the Haetbit Center and Cheo-kkeut Center, we will continue to prepare various support measures so that pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare are not burdens to be borne alone but are recognized as noble and precious matters shared by the community through demand-centered customized support.”