While many local governments across the country are struggling with population decline, the rising total fertility rate in Hampyeong County, Jeollanam-do, is drawing attention.
On February 26, Hampyeong County announced that it recorded a total fertility rate of 1.43 last year, ranking fifth nationwide and maintaining an upward trend for three consecutive years.
The total fertility rate is a key indicator representing the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her childbearing years (ages 15-49).
Last year, Hampyeong County saw 118 births and a total fertility rate of 1.43, significantly exceeding the national average of 0.8 and the Jeollanam-do average of 1.1. The county ranked fifth nationwide and fourth in Jeollanam-do, maintaining a leading position among local governments in terms of fertility rate.
The total fertility rate in Hampyeong County has steadily increased from 0.88 in 2022 to 1.22 in 2023, 1.32 in 2024, and 1.43 in 2025, marking a 1.63-fold rise over three years.
The county analyzed that creating a birth-friendly environment and implementing comprehensive support policies for childbirth and childcare have positively influenced the rise in the fertility rate. In particular, the expansion of postpartum care subsidies-up to 1 million won starting this year-was identified as a decisive factor.
Hampyeong County is pursuing a variety of support policies to reduce the financial burden on families with newborns.
During pregnancy, the county provides services such as ▲ registration and management of pregnant women ▲ free ultrasound examination coupons ▲ congratulatory gifts for pregnancy, supporting safe childbirth. After childbirth, the county offers ▲ subsidies for public postpartum care centers and postpartum helpers ▲ postpartum care cost support up to 1 million won ▲ baby supplies ▲ congratulatory gifts for childbirth ▲ dining coupons worth 50,000 won for families with newborns, thereby easing the initial burden of childcare.
Upon childbirth, families can receive ▲ childbirth incentives (3 million won for the first child, 5 million for the second, 7 million for the third, and 10 million for the fourth and subsequent children) ▲ First-Meeting Voucher (2 million won for the first child, 3 million for the second and subsequent children), with support totaling up to 13 million won within one year after childbirth.
In addition, the county provides ongoing support tailored to each stage of child development, such as ▲ a 300,000 won congratulatory grant upon entering elementary school.
Hampyeong County plans to continue expanding customized support policies that families can tangibly benefit from, with the aim of creating an environment where it is easy to have and raise children.
Sim Hwaseop, Chief of Hampyeong County Health Center, said, "We are strengthening support for each stage of life so that families can receive practical help throughout the process of childbirth and childrearing. We will continue to expand our customized services for pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting to sustain the upward trend in the fertility rate."
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