A Welcome Cry from 205 Newborns... This Place Sees a Birth Increase After 12 Years

by Kim Jinsun

Published 20 Jan.2025 16:18(KST)

A Rebound in Births After Continuous Decline Since 2012

The number of births in the Jeonbuk region has increased for the first time in 12 years.

According to Jeonbuk Special Self-Governing Province on the 20th, the number of births in the province last year was 6,897, an increase of 205 from the previous year. The number of births had been continuously decreasing since 2012 but rebounded last year.

Medical staff caring for a newborn. Photo by Yonhap News

Among the 14 cities and counties in the province, 9 saw an increase in births last year. Wanju had the largest increase with 137 births, followed by Iksan with 57, Gochang with 32, Buan with 23, Namwon with 22, Jeongeup, Sunchang, and Muju each with 19, and Gunsan with 17. Conversely, Jeonju (65), Gimje (56), Jinan (12), Jangsu (5), and Imsil (2) experienced a decrease in births.

Jeonbuk Province cited increased marriages and births following the COVID-19 pandemic and the province’s population policies as reasons for the rise in births. Key birth promotion measures include support for the First Meeting Voucher, expansion of childbirth incentives, and additional support for infertility treatment costs.

Additionally, based on the comprehensive low birthrate countermeasures announced in November last year, the province is promoting the supply of 500 rental housing units at half rent, easing wedding cost burdens, and establishing a 24-hour childcare system.

Cheon Yeong-pyeong, Director of Planning and Coordination at the provincial office, said, "The rebound in the number of births is a meaningful indicator showing hope for overcoming the low birthrate issue," adding, "We will create a happy Jeonbuk for all based on innovative and systematic population policies."