Foreword 3

Executive summary 7

1 Overview: Korea’s unique fertility, work, and family policy trends 9

 1.1. Introduction 10

 1.2. Marriage, fertility intentions, and gender gaps in attitudes 11

 1.3. “Education fever” 13

 1.4. The dual labour market 14

 1.5. Policies to support the reconciliation of work and family life 18

 1.6. Getting ready for the future 19

 References 24

2 Unpacking declining fertility in Korea 29

 2.1. Introduction and main findings 30

 2.2. Fertility rates in Korea are the lowest among OECD countries 31

 2.3. Koreans appear to be having fewer children than desired 38

 2.4. Many interrelated social and economic factors contribute to declining fertility in Korea 40

 References 56

 Notes 66

3 Attitudes toward work, marriage, family and gender equality contribute to observed fertility patterns 67

 3.1. Introduction and main findings 68

 3.2. A complex and changing link between marriage and children in Korea 69

 3.3. But why is marriage on the decline? 71

 3.4. Gender issues affecting dating and mating 78

 3.5. Conflict between work and family undermines fertility 83

 3.6. Looking beyond work and family to consider leisure 85

 3.7. Changing perceptions of the personal and social value of children 86

 3.8. Going forward: What can governments do? 88

 References 89

 Notes 98

4 Policy increasingly supports families, but housing- and private education costs remain barriers to having more children 100

 4.1. Introduction and main findings 101

 4.2. Public family support is strengthening 103

 4.3. The impact of family policy on fertility trends 111

 4.4. Education fever 115

 4.5. The cost of housing and its effect on fertility 121

 References 123

 Notes 137

5 Going into labour: effects of labour market institutions and work-life balance on fertility 138

 5.1. Introduction and main findings 139

 5.2. Setting the scene 141

 5.3. Korea’s dual labour market contributes to delayed labour market entry 145

 5.4. Perceptions of economic and financial insecurity are relatively high in Korea 147

 5.5. Female employment around childbirth 149

 5.6. The workplace culture is not family-friendly 153

 References 161

 Annex 5.A. Going into labour: effects of labour market institutions and work-life balance on fertility: additional figures 170

 Notes 171