"Marriage Preparation Funds Needed: 339.96 Million Won"
More than half of adults of childbearing age responded that it does not matter if they do not have children. Only one in ten said that having children is essential.
On the 20th, the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs held the 36th Population Forum at EL Tower in Yangjae, Seocho-gu, Seoul, under the theme "Public Perception Survey Results on Low Fertility and Aging Society: Focusing on Marriage, Childbirth, and Generational Values," where these findings were announced.
The institute surveyed 4,000 men and women nationwide aged 19 to 79 on public perceptions and values regarding responses to low fertility and an aging society. Analyzing responses from 2,005 men and women aged 19 to 49 of childbearing age, the survey on childbirth perceptions showed that 52.6% answered that having no children "does not matter," exceeding half. The responses followed in order: "Having children is better than not having any" (30.2%), "Having children is essential" (10.3%), and "Don't know" (6.9%).
Women, those in their 20s, and those with lower incomes tended to be more passive about having children. Among women, 63.5% responded that having no children does not matter; among those aged 19?25, 54.6%; and among those aged 26?29, 57.2%. A strong tendency not to want children was also observed when the monthly average earned income was below 3 million KRW. Among respondents earning less than 1 million KRW per month, 59.5% said having no children does not matter; 54.8% among those earning between 1 million and 2 million KRW; and 55.6% among those earning between 2 million and 3 million KRW.
The ideal number of children was on average 1.33. Two children accounted for 49.1%, no children (0) for 30.1%, one child for 14.4%, and three or more children for 6.4%. The proportion of respondents who answered no children was higher among women, those aged 25?35, those with a high school education or less, temporary and daily workers, unmarried individuals, and low-income households.
When asked about additional childbirth plans among married men and women, 69.3% responded "none," while 19.2% said "yes." The top reason was "because I or my spouse is older" (20.5%), but the second and third reasons were "childcare costs are too expensive" (18.2%) and "economic difficulties" (16.0%), all citing economic reasons.
Perceptions of marriage were also as follows: "It is fine to marry or not" (49.3%), "It is absolutely necessary" (4.7%), and "It is better to marry" (29.3%). The conditions considered necessary for marriage, rated out of 4 points, were a satisfactory job (3.41 points), securing housing costs (3.36 points), and an environment where one can continue work or studies after marriage (3.31 points), in that order.
Marriage preparation funds were perceived to require a total of 339.96 million KRW, of which 255.17 million KRW was for housing costs.
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