Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Captain Corea]

For me this is simple; ask Corean couples why they aren't having more babies!

I'm guessing the answer will tie into expense and care. Most couples are trying to keep both father and mother working these days. They pretty much need to so they can pay for the morgage and LCD wallmount they just bought. The days of being "given" an Apt. are over in Korea for most and young couples are taking ALOt longer to get themselves set financially. This means they are waiting longer to have babies or simply not having many.

Grandparents are still in the picture (for now) when it comes to raising the children. Most pofessional couples with children I know have the GPs help in some way. It is the only way to make it work when both are working.

So, all the Gov. has to do is help to ensure that the choice to stay home or go to work is a viable option for young couples.

Monetary incentives are good (but often fall short), while standardized pre-schools are another way to go.

[Derrek]

[rapier]

Korea to Become World's Most Aged Society by 2050
(Kim Jae-kyoung, Korea Times, 01-19-2005) South Korea will become the most aged society in the world in 2050, with a prolonged average life span coinciding with an extremely low birth rate.

In its latest population report based on United Nations (U.N.) data, the National Statistical Office (NSO) forecast the nation's aged population, meaning those aged over 65, will account for as much as 37.3 percent of the total in 2050. The estimated figure is the highest in the world, even ahead of Japan.

After standing at 2.9 percent in 1960, the ratio of Korea��s aged population steadily rose to 3.8 percent in 1980, 7.2 percent in 2000 and 8.3 percent in 2003. The ratio is forecast to 10.9 percent in 2010, 15.7 percent in 2020 and 24.1 percent in 2030.

"The anticipated acceleration of the aging population is mainly due to a prolonged life span led by advances in medical treatment as well as low birth rates triggered by young couples�� avoidance of having children,�� NSO economist Kim Dong-hoi said. "Currently, those in their thirties and forties make up the lion��s share of the Korean population, but many of them are not married and don��t have children,�� he added. "When these people age over 65, the nation will face a severe unbalance in population composition.��

The statistics agency said the nation is expected to become an aged society in which those over the age of 65 account for 14 percent by 2018 and senior citizens will take up 20 percent by 2026. Experts were concerned that if the aging population trend continues, the nation will enter a low growth era in the coming years due to a severe erosion in economic growth potential. They suggested the government draw up long-term solutions to address the problems by reforming the pension system and introducing policies that encourage childbirth, such as tax incentives.

The state agency said the nation's total population, which stood at 48.29 million at the end of 2004, is not likely to exceed the 50 million mark. It forecast the population to drop to 42.34 million in 2050 after peaking at 49.95 million in 2020.

[Real Reality]

Koreans Need More Babies Now
The World Health Organization's director-general Lee Jong-wook has warned Korea could face a national crisis caused by its aging society and low birth rate. In a March 10 interview with the Chosun Ilbo, Lee urged Seoul to do everything in its power to encourage Koreans to have more babies. Lee is the first Korean head of an international organization.

"If the problem is not tackled right now, it will be too late," Lee said. "Korea needs bold measures to encourage people to have more children and must think of ways of coping with the aging society and its health problems." He called on Koreans to rid themselves of the notion that the elderly are a burden. "Forcing people in their 40s and 50s to quit their jobs goes against the national interest of Korea. Instead, we need an environment where people from all walks of life can work energetically," the WHO chief said.

Lee, a graduate of the medical college of Seoul National University,... Lee started working for the WHO 22 years ago when he was a doctor in the South Pacific. "If you are determined to survive in the international community through competition, you should become a professional equipped with language skills," is his recommendation.

However, Lee is wary of the zeal of young Koreans to get into medical school. Instead, he advised them to venture into uncommon territory like astronomy, geology and archeology. "Becoming a doctor to cure diseases and contribute to medical study is good. But it's no good becoming a doctor for a guaranteed brighter future compared to other professions. Young people shouldn't pursue an easy, comfortable life. Only those with a taste for challenge will succeed in life," he said.
Chosun Ilbo (March 14, 2005)
http://english.chosun.com/w21data/html/news/200503/200503140036.html

[tzechuk]

What kind of incentives do they give families with three or more kids? There are 3 in our household (2 from hubby's previous marriage). Hmmm... I don't think even my husband knows of benefits!

[Universalis]

While I haven't studied economics much, I see the make-more-babies-drive as a chaebol-directed keep-our-wages-low drive.

As it is, Korea is a fucking rat race, with 50 million people in the country all fighting over the few jobs and school openings that open up every year. This gives the chaebol the ability to choose from all sorts of over-qualified people who are willing to bust their ass for a lower wage.

Fewer people equals less competition and higher wages: a corporate nightmare scenario.

I can't help but think fewer people in this country would do wonders for the vast majority of Koreans. It's just a few elites who are scared.

Brian

[Manner of Speaking]

[Guri Guy]

I think you have hit the nail on the head Universalis. Korea is already an overpopulated country. I think the Chaebols do have a lot of influence so this could be true about keeping wages low.
Whatever the case, Korea needs to be less xenophobic and more welcoming to foreigners or they could face serious consequences. Canada has dealt with a declining birthrate by encouraging immigrants. Will Korea do the same? I have my doubts...

[coolsage]

Korea has started down a slippery slope that is largely of its own making. Many of the best and brightest are voting with their feet, and treading an increasingly well-worn path out of here. Those who are concerned about their children's education (real education, not seventeen hours a day of rote-memorization), and can afford it, are booking. Those who remain have little incentive to increase their family-size; who can afford it? And women are gradually gaining some professional and economic status, thus postponing or canceling reproduction. And the gender imbalance which has been generated by the Confucian preference for boys is soon going to bite this society in the butt. In countries like Canada or the US, immigration can compensate for a declining birth-rate. In Korea, perhaps one of the most xenophobic countries on the planet, that's not going to happen. Korea has peaked; it's all downhill from here. Not this year or next, but soon.

[fusionbarnone]

Korean Hogwan owners should petition the government to "loosen up" financial incentives for the ESL industry, in order that they(owners), can hire large numbers of male only, ESL teachers.

They(Korean media del mondo) should also encourage greater soju quaffing amongst middle-aged buffoons whilst on poontie missions.

Also, a system similar to deductions allowable now(Koreans get tax deductions for increased card use),which allow tax deductible incentives for credit card use, should the uncouth buffoon encourage the object of affection to spread like margarine. I'm sure the spouses left at home would be very happy.