North Jeolla Births Increase for Second Consecutive Year: "Such a Welcome Change"

Number of Newborns in North Jeolla Rebounds to Over 7,000 in 2025
Interest Grows in the “Jeonbuk-style Banhal Housing” Policy

The number of newborns in North Jeolla Special Self-Governing Province has increased for two consecutive years, signaling a potential shift in the long-standing downward trend.

According to North Jeolla Province on May 20, the number of births in the province rose from 6,622 in 2023 to 6,780 in 2024, and this year has reached 7,041. This represents an increase of 261 newborns, or 3.85%, compared to last year, and a rise of 419 compared to 2023.

Since 2012, the number of newborns in North Jeolla had been steadily declining. However, after two consecutive years of rebound, it is now being analyzed that the effects of population policies are beginning to show. The “Jeonbuk-style Banhal Housing” policy, which North Jeolla Province is implementing as the nation’s first, is drawing attention as a public housing model designed to address low birthrates. For newlyweds and others moving in, the province provides interest-free loans for rental deposits up to 50 million won, and monthly rent is set at about half the local market rate.

In addition, the policy now exempts tenants from monthly rent if they have even one child, making it notable as not just a housing support initiative but a proactive birth encouragement measure. After up to ten years of stable residence, residents are also given the opportunity to purchase their home at a price below market value.

The first phase of the project, currently underway in Jangsu County, Namwon City, and Imsil County, involves a total of 320 units. Following a call for private sector participation in the second half of this year, construction is scheduled to begin in 2027, with completion targeted for 2030. In April, Jinan County and Sunchang County were selected as sites for the second phase, adding 200 more units to be supplied.

Childcare and care policies are also contributing to improvements in the birth environment. North Jeolla Province is the first in the country to fully cover required expenses for daycare centers, and is expanding the 24-hour care system. The province has also strengthened support across the entire pregnancy and childbirth process, including coverage for infertility diagnosis costs, additional financial support for infertility treatments, and postpartum health management. The focus on policies that can be tangibly felt in daily life, rather than simple cash handouts, is being credited as having had a positive impact.

Im Cheol-eon, policy chief of North Jeolla Province, stated, "The two consecutive years of increasing births is a meaningful change created together by residents and the administration," adding, "We will steadfastly push forward with policies on housing, jobs, and care so that young people can have hope for marriage and childbirth."

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