Total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate in South Korea
South Korea: Total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate was 0.748 births per woman in 2024. ◆ Volatile
Total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate in South Korea, 1960–2024
Source: United Nations Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data. Measured in births per woman.
Analysis
In 2024, total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate in South Korea stood at 0.748 births per woman.
That represents a change of up 3.7% on the previous year and down 37.9% over ten years.
Over the whole period, total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate in South Korea peaked at 5.99 births per woman in 1960 and was at its lowest, 0.721 births per woman, in 2023.
South Korea ranks 214th of 215 countries on this measure, in the bottom quarter.
The series is highly variable year to year, so single readings are best treated with caution.
Averages by decade
| Decade | Average | Lowest | Highest | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1960s | 5.1 births per woman | 4.45 births per woman | 5.99 births per woman | 10 |
| 1970s | 3.6 births per woman | 2.64 births per woman | 4.54 births per woman | 10 |
| 1980s | 1.95 births per woman | 1.53 births per woman | 2.82 births per woman | 10 |
| 1990s | 1.6 births per woman | 1.43 births per woman | 1.76 births per woman | 10 |
| 2000s | 1.21 births per woman | 1.08 births per woman | 1.48 births per woman | 10 |
| 2010s | 1.15 births per woman | 0.918 births per woman | 1.3 births per woman | 10 |
| 2020s | 0.7784 births per woman | 0.721 births per woman | 0.837 births per woman | 5 |
Countries ranked near South Korea
- 212 Puerto Rico 0.92 births per woman compare
- 215 Macao 0.582 births per woman compare
More population data for South Korea
- World population growth -1.4% (2100)
- Population density 223.86 people per km² (2100)
- Number of children under 5, by world region 599,530 people (2100)
- Population growth rate, by level of development -1.4% (2100)
- Total fertility rate vs. contraceptive prevalence 0.748 births per woman (2024)
- Fertility rate vs. unmet need for contraception 0.748 births per woman (2024)
- Refugees by country of asylum 4,241 people (2024)
- Fertility rate vs. Share of people who are religious 0.72 live births per woman (2023)
- Fertility rate accounting for survival until childbearing age 0.7167 children per women (2023)
- Birth rate by women's age group 0.537 live births per 1,000 women aged 15-19 (2023)
Frequently asked questions
- What is total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate in South Korea?
- Total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate in South Korea was 0.748 births per woman in 2024, according to United Nations Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data.
- What is the highest total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate recorded in South Korea?
- The highest recorded value was 5.99 births per woman in 1960.
- What is the lowest total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate recorded in South Korea?
- The lowest recorded value was 0.721 births per woman in 2023.
- How does South Korea rank for total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate?
- South Korea ranks 214th out of 215 countries with data for 2024.
- Is total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate rising or falling in South Korea?
- Over the last ten years it is down 37.9%. The long-run trend across the full record is volatile.
- Where does this South Korea data come from?
- The figures come from United Nations Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat, via World Bank (2026) – processed by Our World in Data, published as part of Total fertility rate vs. wanted fertility rate. Statizoid updates them automatically from the source API.
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About this data
The total fertility rate summarizes the total number of births a woman would have, if she experienced the birth rates seen in women of each age group in one particular year across her childbearing years. The wanted fertility is an estimate of what the total fertility rate would be if all unwanted births were avoided, based on survey data.