South Korea Marriage Incentive, Offers $38,000 Marriage Incentive to Boost Birth Rates

Cash Grants Aim to Reverse Record-Low Fertility Crisis

South Korea has introduced a bold financial incentive program providing couples with up to $38,000 to encourage marriage, as the nation grapples with the world’s lowest fertility rate of just 0.72 children per woman. The Saha District in Busan launched this initiative as part of urgent national measures to address demographic collapse, with similar programs expected to expand across other municipalities facing population decline.

Economic Support Targets Youth Marriage Hesitation

The comprehensive support package is specifically designed to alleviate financial barriers that discourage young South Koreans from starting families. With housing costs and child-rearing expenses ranking as top concerns among potential newlyweds, the cash grants aim to make marriage and family planning more economically viable. Government data shows nearly 60% of unmarried South Koreans cite financial instability as their primary reason for delaying marriage, creating what demographers call a “marriage strike” phenomenon.

National Strategy Confronts Demographic Emergency

This local initiative reflects South Korea‘s escalating national response to its population crisis, which threatens economic stability and social welfare systems. The country has already invested over $200 billion in various birthrate-boosting programs since 2006, including childcare subsidies and housing support. However, with the population projected to halve by 2100, policymakers are implementing increasingly direct interventions like the Saha District’s marriage package, recognizing traditional incentives have failed to reverse the trend.