自由論題第７セッション第１報告
209教室(本館2階）10:00-10:30

Policy Measures That Can Help Resolve the
Problem of Low Fertility Rate in South Korea:
Using Artificial Intelligence1
Park, Choon Yup (朴春燁)Professor Emeritus, Dongguk University(東國大學校), Seoul, Korea, choonpark@naver.com

Park, Alexandra J.
Sanofi-aventis Korea Co., Seoul, Korea
I.

Introduction

The purpose of this paper is to propose various measures that can presumably help
resolve the problem of low fertility rate2 in South Korea. With this purpose in mind, this paper
first identifies the causes of the of the low fertility rate in South Korea. Secondly, for eachcategory of these causes, this paper suggests various policy measures that are assumed to help
resolve the specific problems. In this process of identification of problems and development of
the specific measures, this paper relies heavily on the artificial intelligence including ChatGPT,
Bard, and Bing. This paper may be one of the first research outcomes about the fertility rate inSouth Korea that makes use of AI or Artificial Intelligence.
This paper is not intended to compare the low fertility problem of South Korea withthat of Japan. However, since this paper is presented in Yokohama, Japan, brief comparative
comments of the fertility rates of Japan are included. Regarding appropriateness of this paperin this conference, this paper dealing with the problem of population may be an acceptabletopic of interest in this conference of Japanese-Korean economy and management because theproblem of population is closely related to economics and business of a country. This is why
author of this paper dare to present this article in this conference.

II.
1

Background

This article is presented in the 38th International Conference on Japanese-Korean Economy

and Management, Yokohama, Japan, August 25, 2023.
2

The birth rate is the total number of births in a year per 1,000 individuals in a population

while fertility rate is the number of live births in a year per 1,000 women of reproductive
age in a population.
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For the purpose of better comprehension of the contents presented in this paper, a briefbackground of the problem of low fertility rate in South Korea will be introduced. South Korea
marked a fertility rate of 0.78 in 2022, which is the lowest in the world.
There are many warnings regarding thedecreasing fertility rate of South Korea. One ofsuch warnings is the one by David Coleman in2006 who was a population expert anddemographer at the Oxford Centre forPopulation Research. He warned that South
Korea could become the first country on theplanet to lose its entire population because of its
low birthrate.
Comparing with fertility rate of Japan,
South Korea’s rate is lower than that of Japan,
declining faster (See Table 1).
Recently South Korea has taken various
measures to resolve the problem of low fertility
rate in the nation. However, there is little signthat the problem of low fertility rate would
upturn. According to government of South
Korea announcement, huge amount of money
has been allocated to resolve the problem of low
fertility rate.
There have been many research papers andbooks, and policy measures suggesting policies
presumably effective to increasing fertility rateof South Korea. However, the results do notshow any indication to change the decreasing
trend. This paper may be one of the firstresearch papers about the fertility rate in South
Korea that make use of Artificial Intelligence.

Table 1.. Yearly Fertility Rates ofSouth Korea and Japan
South Difference
Korea(B)
A-B

YearJapan(A)

2006

1.32

1.132

0.188

2007

1.34

1.259

0.081

2008

1.37

1.192

0.178

2009

1.37

1.149

0.221

2010

1.39

1.226

0.164

2011

1.39

1.244

0.146

2012

1.41

1.297

0.113

2013

1.43

1.187

0.243

2014

1.42

1.205

0.215

2015

1.45

1.239

0.211

2016

1.44

1.172

0.268

2017

1.43

1.052

0.378

2018

1.42

0.977

0.443

2019

1.36

0.918

0.442

2020

1.34

0.837

0.503

2021

1.3

0.81

0.49

2022

1.26

0.78

0.48

Sources of Data: Wikipedia

III. Causes of Low Fertility Rate in South Korea
The causes of low fertility rate in South Korea may be many and diverse. One of thefirst steps to resolve the problem is to identify causes the problem. In order to identify causesof low fertility rate in South Korea, author of this paper asked artificial intelligence ChatGPT
to identify those causes. The result is ones given below with brief explanation for each of thecauses. However, relative importance of each of the causes is hard to determine.
3.1 High Cost of Raising Children
The financial burden associated with raising children in South Korea is considered one of
the main deterrents to starting a family. Expenses related to education, housing, healthcare, and2

extracurricular activities can be substantial, causing many couples to postpone or limit
childbearing.
3.2 Housing Affordability and Limited SpaceThe high cost of housing, particularly in major cities like Seoul, makes it difficult forcouples to afford larger homes suitable for raising children. Limited living space, combinedwith societal expectations for separate bedrooms for each child, adds to the challenges ofstarting or expanding families.
3.3 Limited Work-life BalanceLong working hours and a demanding work culture in South Korea often leave little time
for individuals to start or expand their families. The competitive nature of the job market andthe lack of adequate support for working parents, such as parental leave and affordable
childcare options, contribute to the decision to delay or forego having children.
3.4 Gender Inequality and Traditional Gender Roles
Despite progress in women's rights and gender equality, South Korea still faces deep-rooted
gender stereotypes and traditional roles within the family. The expectation that women will
primarily assume caregiving responsibilities often conflicts with their career aspirations,leading some women to delay or avoid childbirth altogether
3.5 Health and Medical Support
Some couples in South Korea are unable to have children due to health problems. This canbe due to infertility, genetic disorder, or other health issues.
3.6 Lack of Integrated Office That Handles Comprehensive Family-friendly Policies
While South Korea has implemented various policies to address the low birth rate, such asproviding financial incentives, extending parental leave, and improving childcare services,
some argue that these measures are insufficient. The need for more comprehensive andaccessible family-friendly policies, including affordable and high-quality childcare, flexible
work arrangements, and support for working parents, remains a pressing issue.
It is important to note that the relative importance of these factors may vary amongindividuals and communities, and they often interact with and reinforce each other. Addressing
the low birth rate requires a multifaceted approach that considers these complex factors
holisticallyIV.

Measures That May Resolve the Causes of Low Fertility Rate

4.1 Measures for Reducing High Cost of Raising Children31) Childcare subsidies: Provide financial assistance to families to help cover the cost ofchildcare expenses.
2) Education support: Implement policies that offer free or reduced-cost educationmaterials, such as textbooks and school supplies.
3) Tax incentives: Introduce tax breaks or credits specifically targeted at families withchildren to alleviate financial burdens.
4) Affordable housing: Develop affordable housing options for families, including
rental subsidies or low-interest loans.
5) Maternity and paternity leave: Enhance parental leave policies, providing longer
periods of paid leave for both mothers and fathers.
6) Flexible work arrangements: Encourage employers to offer flexible work hours or
telecommuting options, allowing parents to balance work and childcare
responsibilities.
7) Support for single parents: Establish programs that provide financial aid andresources to single parents, including affordable childcare options.
8) Healthcare assistance: Ensure accessible and affordable healthcare services forchildren, including preventive care, vaccinations, and medical treatments.
9) Nutrition programs: Implement initiatives that offer nutritious meals or foodassistance programs for children, especially in low-income families.
10) Support for early childhood development: Establish early childhood education
programs that are accessible and affordable for all families.
11) Subsidized extracurricular activities: Provide subsidies for children's
extracurricular activities, such as sports, arts, and music lessons.
12) Community centers: Establish community centers that offer free or low-cost
activities, educational resources, and support services for families with children.
13) Financial literacy programs: Develop programs that educate parents on budgeting,financial planning, and smart money management strategies.
14) Affordable healthcare insurance: Implement policies to ensure affordable healthinsurance coverage for children, reducing medical expenses for families.
15) Public transportation discounts: Offer reduced fares or discounted transportation
passes for families with children to alleviate commuting costs.
16) School meal programs: Expand school meal programs to provide nutritious meals forchildren at a reduced cost or for free.
17) Scholarships and grants: Increase the availability of scholarships and grants forhigher education to alleviate the long-term financial burden on families18) Collaborations with businesses: Encourage businesses to offer family-friendly
policies, such as on-site daycare facilities or subsidies for employees with children19) Affordable internet access: Ensure affordable and reliable internet access in all
households to facilitate online education and reduce education-related costs.
20) Financial aid for college education: Establish financial aid programs or loan
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forgiveness initiatives to support families in covering the costs of college education
for their children.
4.2 Measures for Improving Housing Affordability and Limited Space
Addressing housing problems in South Korea can contribute to resolving the issue of the
low birth rate. Here are some policy ideas, social practices, and financial measures that can
help.
1) Increase affordable housing supply: Implement policies and incentives to increase
the supply of affordable housing, particularly for young couples and families. Thiscan include government subsidies, tax incentives, and land allocation for affordable
housing projects.
2) Develop family-friendly housing options: Encourage the development of housing
options that cater specifically to the needs of families, such as larger units withappropriate amenities and child-friendly infrastructure. This can help create a more
conducive environment for raising children
3) Provide financial assistance for housing: Introduce financial measures to support
couples and families in securing housing, such as low-interest loans, down payment
assistance programs, and housing grants. These measures can help alleviate thefinancial burden of acquiring a home, making it more feasible for couples to start or
expand their
4) Review and revise housing regulations: Evaluate existing housing regulations andzoning laws to identify any barriers or restrictions that hinder the availability ofaffordable housing. Streamlining regulations and promoting flexible land use policies
can facilitate the development of more affordable housing options.
5) Encourage mixed-use development: Promote the development of mixed-use
neighborhoods that combine residential, commercial, and community facilities. Thisapproach can create vibrant and sustainable communities, providing easier access toamenities and services that are essential for families.
6) Enhance public transportation infrastructure: Improve public transportation
networks and connectivity, particularly in suburban areas. This can reduce
commuting time and make living in affordable housing outside city centers more
viable for families, improving their quality of life and encouraging them to consider
having children.
7) Support cooperative housing models: Foster cooperative housing models, such as
housing cooperatives or community land trusts, where residents collectively own andmanage housing units. These models can provide more affordable and stable housing
options while fostering a sense of community and social support.
8) Promote sustainable urban planning: Implement sustainable urban planning
practices that prioritize compact, walkable neighborhoods with access to green
spaces, schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential amenities. Creating livable,
well-designed communities can attract families and support their decision to havechildren.
9) Encourage intergenerational housing: Facilitate the development ofintergenerational housing options that bring together different age groups within thesame community or housing complex. This can foster social connections, support
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systems, and opportunities for the exchange of knowledge and experiences between
generations.
10) Raise public awareness and challenge housing stereotypes: Conduct publicawareness campaigns to challenge stereotypes and prejudices associated withhousing choices. Promote the idea that diverse housing options, including affordable
and family-friendly housing, are essential for a healthy and vibrant society.
It's important to note that addressing the housing problem and the low birth rate in South
Korea requires a comprehensive and multi-dimensional approach involving collaboration
between the government, private sector, and civil society. These policy ideas, social
practices, and financial measures can contribute to creating a more supportive housing
environment for families, potentially encouraging them to have children and addressing the
low birth rate issue.
4.3 Measures for Improving Limited Work-life Balance
Improving work-life balance is indeed crucial for addressing the low birth rate issue inSouth Korea. Here are some policy ideas, measures, and support that can help improve worklife balance and encourage couples to have more children.
1) Flexible working arrangements: Introduce policies that promote flexible work hours,
remote work options, and part-time employment. This will allow parents to betterbalance their work responsibilities with childcare and household duties.
2) Parental leave and benefits: Enhance parental leave policies by extending theduration and increasing the wage replacement rate. Consider implementing dedicatedpaternity leave to encourage fathers to take an active role in childcare. Additionally,
provide financial incentives such as childcare subsidies or tax credits for families withyoung children.
3) Affordable and accessible childcare: Increase the availability and affordability ofquality childcare facilities, including daycare centers, nurseries, and preschools. Invest
in expanding the capacity of these facilities and provide subsidies for low-income
families to ensure access for all.
4) Work-hour regulation: Implement stricter regulations on maximum working hours
to prevent overwork and promote a healthy work-life balance. Encourage companies
to establish clear guidelines and policies to reduce overtime and create a culture thatvalues work-life balance.
5) Work culture reform: Raise awareness about the importance of work-life balancethrough public campaigns and education programs. Encourage employers to foster a
supportive work culture that respects employees' personal lives, discourages excessive
overtime, and promotes well-being.
6) Support for work-life integration: Offer programs that support employees in
integrating work and family responsibilities, such as on-site or nearby childcare
facilities, flexible break times for breastfeeding, and support for employees witheldercare responsibilities.
67) Affordable housing: Address the high cost of housing, which often places anadditional burden on couples considering starting a family. Implement policies toincrease the supply of affordable housing options and provide financial assistance ortax incentives for first-time homebuyers.
8) Financial assistance for childcare: Provide financial support for childcare expenses,
such as subsidies, vouchers, or tax credits, to ease the financial burden on families andencourage them to have more children.
9) Workplace initiatives: Encourage companies to adopt family-friendly policies, suchas on-site daycare facilities, lactation rooms, and employee assistance programs that
support work-life balance. Recognize and reward companies that excel in
implementing such initiatives.
10) Education and awareness: Promote comprehensive sex education and familyplanning programs to empower individuals and couples with the knowledge andresources needed to make informed decisions about family planning.
11) Support for single parents: Enhance support systems for single parents, including
access to affordable childcare, financial assistance, and career development
opportunities, to alleviate the challenges they face and encourage their participation in
the workforce.
It is important to note that implementing these policies and measures requires collaboration
between the government, employers, and civil society organizations. By creating anenvironment that values work-life balance and supports the needs of working parents, South
Korea can foster an atmosphere conducive to raising the country's birth rate.
4.4 Measures for Reducing Gender Inequality and Traditional Gender Roles
Addressing gender inequality and the low birth rate in South Korea requires acomprehensive approach that encompasses various policy ideas, social practices, andworkplace practices. Here are some suggestions that can help reduce gender inequality andpromote a better work-life balance, thus potentially contributing to addressing the low birthrate issue:
1) Implement comprehensive parental leave policies: Introduce and enforce policies
that provide adequate and flexible parental leave for both mothers and fathers. This
would encourage fathers to take an active role in childcare, reducing the burden on
mothers and promoting gender equality in parenting responsibilities.
2) Improve access to affordable childcare: Expand the availability and affordability ofquality childcare facilities and services. This would enable both parents to continue
their careers while ensuring that children receive proper care and education, thus
alleviating the concerns of couples regarding balancing work and family life.
3) Promote gender equality in the workplace: Encourage equal opportunities for
women in the workforce by implementing policies that address pay gaps, promotewomen's leadership, and reduce workplace discrimination. This would create a more
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inclusive and supportive work environment for women, encouraging them to pursue
both their careers and family aspirations.
4) Offer flexible work arrangements: Encourage employers to provide flexible work
options such as remote work, flexitime, compressed workweeks, and job-sharing.
These arrangements can help individuals better balance their work and personal lives,
including childcare responsibilities, thereby reducing the barriers to starting or
expanding families.
5) Encourage shared household responsibilities: Promote cultural and social practices
that encourage the equal sharing of household chores and responsibilities between
partners. This would reduce the burden on women and foster a more equitable divisionof labor within the home, enabling both partners to actively participate in parenting
and family life.
6) Enhance access to reproductive healthcare: Improve access to affordable andcomprehensive reproductive healthcare services, including family planning, fertility
treatments, and prenatal care. This would empower individuals and couples to makeinformed decisions about their reproductive choices, including the timing and numberof children.
7) Foster gender-sensitive education: Promote gender equality and challenge genderstereotypes through educational initiatives at all levels. This would help dismantle
traditional gender roles and promote more equal opportunities for both girls and boys,
fostering a culture of gender equality from an early age.
8) Raise awareness and combat gender bias: Conduct public awareness campaigns tochallenge gender biases and stereotypes, both at home and in the workplace. These
campaigns can help reshape societal attitudes, promoting a more inclusive andegalitarian view of gender roles and responsibilities.
9) Encourage male participation in household tasks and childcare: Launch targeted
initiatives that promote and celebrate male involvement in household tasks andchildcare responsibilities. This can help change societal norms and expectations
around gender roles, making it more acceptable for men to take on caregiving rolesand contribute to the upbringing of children.
10) Support women's career progression: Create programs and initiatives that support
women's career development, including mentoring programs, networking
opportunities, and leadership training. By providing the necessary support andresources, women can overcome barriers and achieve professional success, making iteasier for them to balance work and family life.
These policy ideas, social practices, and workplace practices, if implemented effectively,
can contribute to reducing gender inequality and address the low birth rate issue in South Korea.
It is important to recognize that these measures should be part of a broader strategy involving
collaboration between government, employers, civil society organizations, and individuals tocreate a more gender-equal and family-friendly society.
84.5 Measures for Health and Medical Support
To support young families and young people in health and medical issues and promote anincrease in the birth rate in South Korea, various methods, measures, policies, and ways can be
implemented. Here are some examples:1) Enhanced prenatal care: Expand access to quality prenatal care services, including
regular check-ups, screenings, and educational programs for expectant mothers andfathers.
2) Maternity and paternity leave: Establish and enforce policies that provide adequate
maternity and paternity leave, allowing parents to take time off work to care for theirnewborns without fear of losing their jobs.
3) Subsidized child care: Increase the availability and affordability of high-quality childcare facilities, offering financial assistance or subsidies to low-income families andyoung parents.
4) Parenting education and support programs: Develop and implement programs thatprovide comprehensive parenting education and support, covering topics such as infantcare, nutrition, early childhood development, and effective parenting techniques.
5) Financial incentives: Introduce financial incentives, such as tax benefits or cash
bonuses, to encourage young couples to have children and alleviate the financial
burden associated with raising a family.
6) Housing support: Facilitate affordable housing options specifically designed foryoung families, offering subsidies or low-interest loans to help them acquire suitablehousing.
7) Health insurance coverage: Ensure that health insurance policies cover maternity
care, childbirth, and pediatric services, reducing out-of-pocket expenses for young
families and encouraging them to seek necessary medical care.
8) Mental health support: Establish mental health services tailored to young parents,
providing counseling, therapy, and support groups to address postpartum depression,stress, and other mental health challenges.
9) School education: Incorporate comprehensive sex education into school curricula toeducate young people about reproductive health, contraception, and family planning,enabling them to make informed decisions about their future.
10) Fertility treatments and assistance: Make fertility treatments more accessible andaffordable by expanding coverage under health insurance plans, offering grants or
subsidies for assisted reproductive technologies, and establishing specialized fertility
clinics.
11) Work-life balance initiatives: Encourage employers to implement flexible work
arrangements, such as flexible hours or remote work options, to support the work-lifebalance of young parents.
12) Community support networks: Establish community-based support networks for9young families, providing a platform for social interaction, mutual support, and sharingof experiences.
13) Public awareness campaigns: Launch nationwide campaigns to raise awarenessabout the importance of family, childbearing, and the benefits of having children,
aiming to reshape societal attitudes and reduce the stigma associated with parenthood.
14) Research and data collection: Conduct comprehensive research and collect data on
the challenges faced by young families and young people in terms of health andmedical issues, birth rates, and family planning to inform evidence-based policies andinterventions.
These measures, when implemented collectively and supported by government, healthcare
providers, employers, and communities, can contribute to improving the health and well-beingof young families and young people and ultimately increase the birth rate in South Korea.
4.6 Establish Government Agency for Comprehensive Family-friendly Policies
Establishing a dedicated agency, ministry, or office to handle the development andimplementation of comprehensive family-friendly policies can be beneficial in addressing theissue of low birthrate in South Korea. Such an organization would centralize efforts, ensure
focused attention on family-friendly policies, and streamline coordination among different
stakeholders. Here’s how it could be done:
1) Legislative action: The government would need to pass legislation to create theagency, ministry, or office responsible for family-friendly policies. This could
involve amending existing laws or enacting new ones to define the scope,
responsibilities, and powers of the organization.
2) Resource allocation: Adequate resources, both financial and human, would need to
be allocated to the agency to effectively carry out its mandate. This would include
budgetary provisions for research, policy development, program implementation, andmonitoring and evaluation.
3) Expertise and staffing: The agency should recruit experts in fields such as
demographics, sociology, economics, and public policy, who can analyze data,
conduct research, and propose evidence-based solutions. Additionally, the agency
would require staff members with diverse skills, including policy analysts, program
managers, and communication specialists.
4) Collaborative approach: The agency should collaborate with various stakeholders,
including government ministries, local authorities, employers, civil society
organizations, and academic institutions. By fostering partnerships, the agency canbenefit from diverse perspectives, leverage existing resources, and ensure
coordinated efforts across different sectors.
5) Policy development: The agency would be responsible for formulating
comprehensive family-friendly policies based on research, best practices, and input
from relevant stakeholders. It should analyze the root causes of low birthrate,monitor societal trends, and identify gaps and barriers that hinder family formationand support.
106) Implementation and monitoring: The agency would oversee the implementation offamily-friendly policies and programs, ensuring that they are effectively carried out
across different sectors. It should establish monitoring mechanisms to assess theimpact of policies, identify areas of improvement, and make necessary adjustments.
7) Evaluation and feedback: The agency should regularly evaluate the effectiveness offamily-friendly policies, collecting data, conducting surveys, and seeking feedback
from individuals and families. This feedback loop will provide insights into thesuccess of implemented measures and guide future policy decisions.
8) Public awareness and communication: The agency should engage in publicawareness campaigns to promote the importance of family-friendly policies andeducate the public about available benefits and resources. Clear and effective
communication channels should be established to disseminate information andencourage public participation.
9) International cooperation: The agency could collaborate with internationalorganizations, research institutions, and governments of other countries facing
similar challenges to share knowledge, exchange best practices, and learn fromsuccessful initiatives implemented elsewhere.
By establishing a dedicated agency, ministry, or office, South Korea can demonstrate its
commitment to addressing the issue of low birthrate and create a centralized mechanism fordeveloping and implementing comprehensive family-friendly policies. This approach canhelp ensure sustained focus, expertise, and accountability in efforts to reverse the declining
birthrate trend.
V.

Concluding Remarks

This manuscript identifies six major causes of low fertility rate of South Korea. They
are: 1. High Cost of Raising Children, 2. Housing Affordability and Limited Space, 3. Limited
Work-life Balance, 4. Gender Inequality and Traditional Gender Roles, 5. Health and Medical
Support, 6. Lack of Integrated Office That Handles Comprehensive Family-friendly Policies.
Under each of these categories of causes, specific measures that appear to be necessary
to overcome the causes of low fertility rate are listed with brief illustration. These measures
may not sufficient for resolving necessary and sufficient condition for resolving low fertility
rate in South Korea. However, these are good starting point for now. The suggestions includedin this paper are first ones made by Artificial Intelligence. Some of the suggestions from AI’sin this article may be even fresh.
Bibliography
Artificial Intelligence: ChatGPT, Bard, and Bing
Wikipedia

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