A Study on the Change of the Population Structure in Korea and the Related Measures
Authors:   Asia-Europe Perspective Association, Park Soon-Chang 
Published: June 2018

Korea is experiencing rapid change of its population structure compared to any other country due to the lowest birthrate and the highest ageing rate in the world. The proportions of children, young and ageing populations have been changing rapidly. As a result, there will be various social changes related to such a trend. The fundamental cause for such social changes is related to the change of the population structure. Therefore, the close observation and response regarding the change of the population structure will directly influence the Korean history.
It is possible to easily identify the trend for the change of the population structure based on the birthrate. What is important is to identify the fundamental cause for such changes of the population structure and make a proper response in order to maintain an idealistic population structure.
In terms of the population structure, the biggest problem faced by Korea is the low birthrate. There are several factors causing the low birthrate. Such factors can be largely divided into awareness-related and economic problems. The birthrate-related policies of many countries around the world are mostly based on the economic problems. It is hard to find any successful country.
The awareness-related problems are more important than the economic ones. If there are many people who regard marriage and childbirth as options, it will be hard to increase the birthrate by using any policy or support.
Throughout this study, it has been argued that it is necessary to make childbirth as a duty. If childbirth is recognized as a national duty, the measures for the low birthrate will be quite different. By following such a way, it will be possible to actively support every household with three children. Also, those with no children or one child will be subject to disciplinary taxes.
Such an argument will receive strong resistance from many people. In particular, it will be rejected and strongly resisted by those who regard marriage and childbirth as options. However, since such a downsizing trend of population could put Korea in a desperate situation and even make it disappear, what would be more desperate than this? Therefore, it is necessary to change people's awareness by carrying out various programs. When there are many people with changed awareness, it will be possible to increase the birthrate and change the society. The increasing birthrate through the process of making childbirth a duty is an important task which must not be influenced by any election but be designed for the long-term survival and prosperity of a country.
The purpose of this study is to summarize the aspects of change in Korea’s demographic structure and present the cause of its change and responsive method with a view to maintain an ideal demographic structure within the country.
As a result, the study first presented a necessity to draw a demographic structure best suited for Korea as a strategic consideration for its change. There should be a discussion and consensus on the total population, demographic ratios by age group, etc. The discussion should also include a matter of whether to recruit the population in want from inside or outside of Korea, which is related to the identity of Korean ethnicity.
As a practical responsive strategy for maintaining ideal demographic structure, the following five items were proposed.
First, we need to discuss the proper blended ratio between Korean ethnicity and others. Second, we should show an open attitude toward foreign people. Third, childbirth should now be a national duty. Fourth, marriage and childbirth should be separated from each other. And fifth, we should enter into a campaign for having a third child.