Incheon Maintains No. 1 Nationwide with 15.1% Increase in Births from January to April

The birth rate increase in Incheon has continued its upward trend this year, maintaining its position as the highest in the nation.

According to the Incheon city government on June 30, the number of births in Incheon from January to April this year totaled 5,590, an increase of 15.1% compared to the same period last year (4,856).

This is the highest growth rate among the 17 major cities and provinces nationwide, and is twice the national average of 7.7%. Following Incheon, Daegu recorded an 11.3% increase, Seoul 10.5%, North Chungcheong Province 10.4%, Gyeonggi Province 8.1%, and Busan 7.8%.

Since ranking first in birth rate increase in June last year, Incheon has consistently maintained double-digit growth rates every month from October last year through April this year. The Incheon city government analyzed that its Incheon-style birth policy, which goes beyond simply encouraging childbirth to supporting meeting, marriage, and childrearing, is proving effective.

Birth Rate Increase (Nationwide/Incheon) Graph

Last year, the city announced the nation's first "i Plus 100 Million Dream" policy, establishing a system to provide universal childrearing support without interruption until age 18 to all children born in Incheon.

This policy adds 28 million won from Incheon's own budget?including Angel Support Fund, i Dream Allowance, and transportation subsidies for pregnant women?to the 72 million won already provided by the central and local governments through parental allowances, child benefits, First Meeting Voucher, and educational expenses for elementary, middle, and high school, for a total of 100 million won in support.

To address the national issue of declining birth rates due to high housing costs, the city also introduced the "1,000 Won Housing" policy for newlywed (and soon-to-be married) couples, offering daily rent at 1,000 won (30,000 won per month), which has been well received.

In March, the city launched a new birth policy focused on supporting relationships and marriage among young people, as well as strengthening childcare for dual-income families and meal support for vulnerable children.

In particular, the Couple Festival, designed to promote a positive perception of marriage and childbirth, drew a strong response from unmarried men and women, with 2,144 applicants and a competition rate of 10.7 to 1. At the first festival held on June 22, 29 out of 50 participating couples were successfully matched.

An official from the Incheon city government said, "Our efforts to create birth and childcare support policies that citizens can truly feel are producing visible results," adding, "We will continue to pursue even more comprehensive childcare policies to make Incheon a city that is great for raising children."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.