I’ve read some explanations for their falling birth rate. What I don’t understand is, other developed countries also have those problems, their birth rates are low as well, but why are they not as low as SK’s?
In: 2587
Hello,
Korean-American here with many relatives still in Korea who I’ve actively talked with this about.Also, I tutor SAT on the side of my actual job which partially answers this question as well.
1. Work Culture: Koreans work far more than your 40 hour week. There is a very heavy “Come in early, and leave after your boss leaves” mentality. On top of that, drinking culture is **huge** in Korea. Often times you are “invited” – with a heavy emphasis on recommended – to go to these to maintain work relationships. This leaves very little family time.
2. Education: Korea is **hyper**-competitive in the education scene. This means that most people are spending ridiculous amounts of money – money they may not have – on their children for Hakwons (before and after school tutoring). It isn’t uncommon for a family to spend **20%+** of their overall income on extra education. (Korean parents pay me $150/hr for SAT tutoring and $4,000+ to SAT summer programs… and this is America).
3. Housing: Housing – much like America… even more so actually – is getting beyond ridiculous in terms of price. Many people have to take out high interest loans from private sources to even buy a semi-decent house to live in.
Combine these three factors, among many others, and it’s not surprising that many are going the DINK route: Double Income No Kids.
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