
Rise of 'noona' wives: South Korea's marriage age gap is changing: Jung Hae-in (left) and Son Ye-jin appear in a poster for the 2018 JTBC drama ...
globalnation.inquirer.net/340559/rise-of-noona-wives-south-koreas-marriage-age-gap-is-changing

Presidential office announces reshuffle of 6 ministerial posts: President Lee Jae Myung conducted a reshuffle that includes six key ministerial posts at the ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/politics/20260830/presidential-office-announces-reshuffle-of-6-ministerial-posts

Why are young Koreans going crazy for Chinese restaurants? Inside the growing trend
scmp.com/lifestyle/food-drink/article/3349535/why-are-young-koreans-going-crazy-chinese-restaurants-inside-growing-trend

Number of foreign residents in Korea nears 1.7 mil. in 2025: The number of foreign nationals residing in Korea approached 1.7 million as of May last year ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/globalcommunity/20260310/number-of-foreign-residents-in-korea-nears-17-mil-in-2025

No. of jobs in public sector remains nearly unchanged in 2024: The number of public-sector jobs remained nearly unchanged in 2024 from a year earlier after ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20260115/no-of-jobs-in-public-sector-remains-nearly-unchanged-in-2024

Korea's childbirths rise for 16th consecutive month in October: data: The number of babies born increased for the past 16 consecutive months as of October ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20251224/koreas-childbirths-rise-for-16th-consecutive-month-in-october-data

‘Hard to go back to working in Korea' Korean men head to Japan for jobs, marriage
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20251216/hard-to-go-back-to-working-in-korea-korean-men-head-to-japan-for-jobs-marriage

Number of newlywed couples falls below 1 mil. for 2nd consecutive year in 2024: The number of newly married couples in Korea fell short of 1 million for the ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20251212/number-of-newlywed-couples-falls-below-1-mil-for-2nd-consecutive-year-in-2024

Paid articlePaywall South Korean man arrested over scalding of Thai partner’s face: ‘wanted to make her ugly’
scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3336060/south-korean-man-arrested-over-scalding-thai-partners-face-wanted-make-her-ugly

Koreans increasingly anxious about personal data breach: Seo Ji-yeon, 42, a working mother, said she thought she had made peace with receiving spam calls ...
koreatimes.co.kr/business/banking-finance/20251204/koreans-increasingly-anxious-about-personal-data-breach

Economic toll of ‘resting’ young people deepens: A woman surnamed Paik says her heart breaks to see her son, who is in his late 30s and has a master’s degree ...
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/20251118/economic-toll-of-resting-young-people-deepens

Man dies after falling from 20th-floor balcony while shaking out blanket: A man in his 20s died after falling from a high-rise apartment balcony while shaking ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20251120/man-dies-after-falling-from-20th-floor-balcony-while-shaking-out-blanket

No. of highly educated youths under long-term unemployment hits 13-month high in Korea
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/20251116/no-of-highly-educated-youths-under-long-term-unemployment-hits-13-month-high

Multicultural marriages hit postpandemic high but lag overall growth: The number of multicultural marriages in Korea last year reached its highest level since ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20251106/multicultural-marriages-hit-postpandemic-high-but-lag-overall-growth

Depression, bipolar cases surge over 45% in 7 years: The number of people suffering from depression or bipolar disorders in Korea has surged ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/health/20251030/depression-bipolar-cases-surge-over-45-in-7-years

6 unlicensed tour guides caught leading foreign tourists in Seoul: Seoul authorities have caught six unlicensed individuals guiding foreign tourists in popular ...
koreatimes.co.kr/lifestyle/travel-food/20251024/6-unlicensed-tour-guides-caught-leading-foreign-tourists-in-seoul
South Korea to count same-sex couples as spouses in census for first time: While the change does not affect their legal status or benefits, it is a rare form of ...
straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/south-korea-to-count-same-sex-couples-as-spouses-in-census-for-first-time

‘Family restaurants’ make comeback with full plates in lean times: What South Koreans call "family restaurants" – Western-style dining chains serving ...
thestar.com.my/business/business-news/2025/10/17/family-restaurants-make-comeback-with-full-plates-in-lean-times

From Seoul to Singapore and beyond: The flight of South Korea’s wealthy and what’s at stake
channelnewsasia.com/cna-insider/seoul-south-korea-losing-rich-millionaires-wealth-drain-singapore-5403716

More S. Koreans giving birth at 35 or older: More than one in three mothers in South Korea gave birth at the age of 35 or older in 2024, government data showed ...
thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/10/15/more-s-koreans-giving-birth-at-35-or-older

Older adult spending in South Korea hits all-time high amid leisure activity growth
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/20251012/older-adult-spending-hits-all-time-high-amid-leisure-activity-growth

Paid articlePaywall Asia’s Gen Z rejects the rat race, from China’s ‘let it rot’ to ‘just rested’ Koreans
scmp.com/week-asia/lifestyle-culture/article/3327814/asias-gen-z-rejects-rat-race-chinas-let-it-rot-just-rested-koreans

South Korea's rice production projected to fall for 4th year in 2025: data: Korea's rice output is projected to fall for the fourth consecutive year in 2025 ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/20251002/koreas-rice-production-projected-to-fall-for-4th-year-in-2025-data

Suicide now number one cause of death among S. Koreans in their 40s: SEOUL: South Korea is facing a deepening suicide crisis, with new government data showing ...
thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/09/26/suicide-now-number-one-cause-of-death-among-s-koreans-in-their-40s

Koreans' income peaks at 45, falls into red at 61: The income of Koreans peaks at 45, and their spending begins to outstrip their incomes at 61 ...
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/20250926/koreans-income-peaks-at-45-falls-into-red-at-61

Increase in birthrate reflects shifting attitudes among Koreans: More Koreans are expressing favorable attitudes toward marriage and having children ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20250925/increase-in-birthrate-reflects-shifting-attitudes-among-koreans

Korean CEO in her 20s creates jobs for foreign workers amid high youth unemployment
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/others/20250911/korean-ceo-in-her-20s-creates-jobs-for-foreign-workers-amid-high-youth-unemployment

Newborn numbers rise in 2024 for 1st time in 9 years: The number of babies born in Korea increased for the first time in nearly a decade in 2024 ...
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/20250827/newborn-numbers-rise-in-2024-for-1st-time-in-9-years
Key FactsSouth Korea Sees First Birth Increase in Nine Years
Aug 28, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
- The number of babies born in South Korea increased to 238,317 in 2024, the first rise since 2015.
- The total fertility rate climbed to 0.75 after falling to 0.72 in 2023.
- Mothers’ average age at childbirth was 33.7 years, with most births occurring among women in their early 30s.
- New marriages increased by 14.8% in 2024, reaching 222,000, the fastest growth recorded since 1970.

Top OECD stats official finds Korea right on track to elevate Statistics Korea: Korea is right on track to enhance the role of its national statistical office ...
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/policy/20250909/top-oecd-stats-official-finds-korea-right-on-track-to-elevate-statistics-korea

Fatal stabbing at Seoul pizza shop exposes strains in franchise industry: Three people were fatally stabbed at a pizza restaurant in southwestern Seoul on ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20250905/fatal-stabbing-at-seoul-pizza-shop-exposes-strains-in-franchise-industry

Civil servant job demand among young Koreans falls to record low: The number of young Koreans aspiring to become civil servants — once coveted as an “iron rice ...
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/20250825/civil-servant-job-demand-among-young-koreans-falls-to-record-low

Why South Korea's pear prices are falling: It's not about oversupply, it's about hoarding
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/others/20250812/why-pear-prices-are-falling-its-not-about-oversupply-its-about-hoarding

'Better Late Than Single' — why young Koreans skip real life romance for TV: A growing number of young Koreans are stepping away from dating altogether — not out ...
koreatimes.co.kr/entertainment/shows-dramas/20250813/better-late-than-single-why-young-koreans-skip-real-life-romance-for-tv

Fewer rookies, more veterans: South Korean companies face generational shift: For Kim Sang-hyun, who landed his first job at a bank last year at age 29 ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20250805/older-workers-outnumber-younger-hires-in-corporate-workforce-shift

Workplace bullying spurs surge in trauma counseling: Cases of workplace bullying are on the rise in Korea, and the number of employees reporting psychological ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20250804/workplace-bullying-spurs-surge-in-trauma-counseling
Leave your offices at home: Starbucks draws line at desktops in South Korea: The decision was made to keep stores comfortable for all visitors ...
straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/leave-your-offices-at-home-starbucks-draws-the-line-at-desktops-in-south-korea

Medical bills for older adults approach half of all health care spending: Health care costs covered by Korea’s national insurance system for those aged 65 and ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/health/20250807/medical-bills-for-older-adults-approach-half-of-all-health-care-spending

Hopes rise for end to longest slump in Korea's domestic demand: Expectations are growing that Korea's weak domestic consumption will bottom out in the third ...
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/20250804/hopes-rise-for-end-to-longest-slump-in-koreas-domestic-demand

Korean fathers increasingly take paternity leave amid demographic crisis: A record number of Korean men are opting for paternity leave in a notable cultural ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20250727/korean-fathers-increasingly-take-paternity-leave-amid-demographic-crisis

Beyond the Miracle: Inequality in South Korea’s New Economy: From soaring household debt to entrenched labor dualism, inequality – not innovation – has become ...
thediplomat.com/2025/07/beyond-the-miracle-inequality-in-south-koreas-new-economy/
Key FactsInequality Marks South Korea’s New Economy
Jul 20, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thediplomat.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: thediplomat.com
- In 2022, the OECD recorded South Korea’s highest relative-poverty rate among members, with nearly one in six below the poverty line.
- Seoul’s average apartment price exceeded 1.3 billion won in late 2024, more than 13 times median annual household income.
- South Korean household debt exceeded 100 percent of GDP in late 2023, ranking among the highest levels worldwide.
- Non-regular workers comprised 32.5 percent of the workforce in August 2023 and earned 54.6 percent of regular workers’ average pay.

Lost decade: Half a million young Koreans live in isolation: A decade is enough time for major changes in a society. Media trends can come and go ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20250718/lost-decade-half-a-million-young-koreans-live-in-isolation

10 deaths a day as South Korea’s suicide fight falls short among seniors: SEOUL: An average of nearly 10 older South Koreans died by suicide every day between ...
thestar.com.my/aseanplus/aseanplus-news/2025/08/03/10-deaths-a-day-as-south-koreas-suicide-fight-falls-short-among-seniors

Overall marriages rebound in Korea, but share of int'l unions declines: In 2020, Nam Do-hyeon, then an exchange student at the University of Alabama ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20250715/overall-marriages-rebound-in-korea-but-share-of-intl-unions-declines

S. Korea sees fastest on-year growth in births in 34 yrs in April: SEOUL, June 25 (Yonhap) -- The number of babies born in South Korea rose at the ...
en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20250625004200320

20-somethings make up largest share of long-term foreign arrivals: People in their 20s topped the list of foreign nationals of all age groups who entered Korea ...
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/20250710/20-somethings-make-up-largest-share-of-long-term-foreign-arrivals

Stats agency to carry out foreigner-friendly survey for 2025 census - The Korea Times
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/policy/20250703/stats-agency-to-carry-out-foreigner-friendly-survey-for-2025-census

South Korea's inflation feared to surge over heat wave-driven price hikes in fresh foods
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/20250708/inflation-feared-to-surge-over-heat-wave-driven-price-hikes-in-fresh-foods

More idle graduates stay home, shun work in Korea - The Korea Times: About 17 percent of young Koreans who are neither employed nor seeking work continue to live ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20250706/more-idle-graduates-stay-home-shun-work-in-korea
Fewer unmarried young Koreans living at home aspire to work: Report: The report, released in late June, analyses a decade of data from 2015 to 2024 ...
straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/more-young-koreans-opt-out-of-job-market-report-finds

What's Behind South Korea's Surging New Births?: Births have risen for 10 consecutive months, but the world's lowest fertility rate remains far below replacement ...
newsweek.com/south-korea-number-births-rises-fertility-2093445

Why do funeral service firms expand to travel business? - The Korea Times: A Kyowon Life telephone consultant surnamed Park says she increasingly takes calls ...
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/others/20250705/why-do-funeral-service-firms-expand-to-travel-business
South Korea: Company pays baby bonus due to declining birth rate: South Korea's population could halve by the end of the century. More and more companies are ...
zdfheute.de/politik/ausland/suedkorea-geburtenrate-firma-100.html

Generational shift in South Korea's labor market: Older adults catch up to youth in employment rate
koreatimes.co.kr/economy/others/20250616/generational-shift-in-south-koreas-labor-market-elderly-employment-rate-catches-up-with-youths

Seoul sees surprising surge in births and marriages: After years of decline, Korea's capital is experiencing a notable demographic shift ...
koreatimes.co.kr/southkorea/society/20250608/seoul-sees-surprising-surge-in-births-and-marriages

Most young people in Korea view marriage and childbirth with mix of sadness, fear, disgust
scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3302346/most-young-people-korea-view-marriage-and-childbirth-mix-sadness-fear-disgust
Private education spending in South Korea hits record $26.8b despite fall in student numbers
straitstimes.com/asia/east-asia/private-education-spending-in-south-korea-hits-record-26-8-billion-despite-fall-in-student-numbers
3 out of 10 doctorate holders in Korea are jobless : Three out of 10 people who obtained Ph.D. last year were unemployed, with the ratio going up to nearly 50 ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2025/03/281_393269.html
Key FactsHigh Unemployment Among PhD Holders in Korea
Mar 2, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
- Three out of ten PhD holders in Korea were unemployed in 2024, with nearly 50 percent of those under 30 affected.
- The unemployment rate for PhD holders reached a record high of 29.6 percent in 2024, the highest since data collection began in 2014.
- Graduates in arts and humanities faced the highest unemployment rates, while fields such as health and education showed relatively lower rates.
- Korea's job market is weakened by economic uncertainty, leading employers to prefer hiring experienced candidates over fresh graduates.

South Korea birthrate rises for first time in nine years amid surge in marriages: Rise comes from very low base and remains far below the 2.1 births per woman ...
theguardian.com/world/2025/feb/26/south-korea-birthrate-rises-marriages-surge
Key FactsSouth Korea's efforts to combat low birthrate
Feb 26, 2025 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: reuters.com
- South Korea's fertility rate rose to 0.75 in 2024, aiming for 1.0 by 2030.
- Government policies are yielding results as more couples marry and families have second children.
- Experts caution that despite progress, further efforts are essential to address the demographic crisis.
- The government plans to spend 19.7 trillion won on work-family balance, childcare, and housing to boost birth rates.
Koreans spare no expense on travel, leisure despite economic downturn : Kim Dong-min, a manager in his 40s at a Korean conglomerate, says he has been traveling ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2025/02/126_393138.html

Birth rate in South Korea, the world's lowest, rises for first time in 9 years: South Korea’s fertility rate rose in 2024 for the first time in nine years ...
nbcnews.com/news/world/birth-rate-south-korea-worlds-lowest-rises-first-time-9-years-rcna193777

South Korea birth rate rises for first time in 9 years on marriage boom - UPI.com
upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2025/02/26/South-Korea-birth-rate-rises-2024-marriages/9561740562866/
Retail sales post steepest fall in 21 years amid prolonged economic downturn: The Korean economy is facing growing risks of muted growth this year amid the ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2025/02/175_391433.html
Serving sizes shrink in Korea as more people dine alone : Restaurant and delivery foods that have been popular picks for parties and gatherings are becoming ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2025/01/419_390781.html
Self-employed workers unhappy with extended Lunar New Year holiday : Self-employed workers are not happy after the government's designation of Jan ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2025/01/126_390279.html
Income gap between top, bottom 10% of households reaches new record: The income gap between the top and bottom 10 percent of households in Korea last year ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2025/01/488_389730.html
Why instant cup noodles are selling fast in Korea : Instant cup noodles are selling faster than their packet counterparts in Korea, with market observers ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2024/12/129_389348.html
Korea's childbirths rise by highest rate in 14 years in October : The number of babies born in Korea increased by the fastest rate in 14 years in October ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/12/281_389185.html
Over 90% of foreign nationals in Korea seek to extend stay: report: More than nine out of 10 foreign nationals in Korea wish to extend their stay ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2024/12/126_388643.html
Key FactsOver 90% of Foreign Nationals in Korea Wish to Stay
Dec 18, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
- A report reveals that over 90% of foreign nationals in Korea wish to extend their stay due to improving quality of life.
- The survey indicates that 90.4% of respondents are considering visa extensions, while 16.9% seek permanent residency.
- Korea's foreign population reached 4.89% of the total population in 2023, with overall satisfaction among foreign nationals increasing to 84.3%.
- The number of foreign workers surpassed 1 million for the first time, with language barriers and discrimination frequently cited as challenges.

Almost 1 in 2 Koreans of child-bearing age are OK with not having a family, survey shows
scmp.com/lifestyle/family-relationships/article/3291841/almost-1-2-koreans-child-bearing-age-are-ok-not-having-family-survey-shows
Foreign worker's video exposes harsh conditions, highlights migrant labor issues
koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/12/281_388622.html
Key FactsMigrant Workers' Living Conditions Under Scrutiny
Dec 17, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
- A Cambodian worker shared a harrowing account of poor living conditions during a snowstorm in Yongin, South Korea, through a viral video.
- The Ministry of Employment and Labor rejected local governments' requests for worker accommodation inspections, citing confidentiality of data.
- Four years after Nuon Sokkheng's death, many migrant workers still reside in substandard housing despite stricter standards implemented in 2021.
- Activists criticize the weak enforcement of housing standards and the ministry's complicity in the exploitation of migrant workers.
Obesity becomes increasingly common cause of death in Korea: Obesity is increasingly becoming a cause of death in Korea, with more than 110 ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/12/281_388800.html
Number of newlyweds falls below 1 mil. in 2023, nearly half childless: The number of newly married couples in Korea dropped below 1 million for the first time ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/12/281_388093.html
Key FactsNewlywed Numbers Drop Below 1 Million, Many Childless
Dec 10, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
- In 2023, the number of newly married couples in Korea fell below 1 million for the first time, totaling 974,000.
- This marks a significant decline from the previous year's figure of 1.03 million.
- Nearly half of the newlyweds, or 47.5 percent, were childless, an increase of 1.1 percentage points from the prior year.
- The fertility rate in Korea dropped to a record low of 0.72, far below the replacement level of 2.1.
Korea's job market sees modest growth yet loses 100,000 in manufacturing in Nov.
koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2024/12/488_388162.html
Where have all the 'bungeoppang' vendors gone? : 'Bungeoppang' is disappearing in Korea. The fish-shaped pastry filled with sweet red bean paste has ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/tech/2024/12/129_387404.html
Key FactsDecline of Bungeoppang Vendors in Korea
Dec 1, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
- Bungeoppang, a popular fish-shaped pastry, is becoming increasingly rare in Korea due to rising ingredient prices, particularly for red beans, flour, and cooking oil.
- The price of Bungeoppang has increased tenfold since the 1990s, leading to a shift towards large food companies mass-producing the pastry in various flavors.
- Soaring costs for key ingredients, especially red beans affected by extreme weather, have significantly reduced the availability of Bungeoppang from street vendors.
- To assist remaining vendors, an online platform launched a feature to locate Bungeoppang sellers, while major companies are offering frozen versions that resonate with consumers.
Apparel sales plummet as Koreans tighten belts : Koreans are increasingly spending less on clothes, shoes and other apparel in the middle of sluggish domestic ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2024/12/126_387409.html
Wageworker jobs for youth continue to fall in Q2: data : Korea added more than 254,000 wageworker jobs in the second quarter of this year ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/11/281_386713.html
Key FactsYouth Job Losses Persist in Q2 Employment Data
Nov 20, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
- In the second quarter of 2024, Korea added over 254,000 jobs, but the growth rate declined.
- The number of jobs for youth decreased to 3.06 million, reflecting a 4.2 percent drop.
- Employment for those in their 60s increased by 261,000, with gains also noted for those in their 40s and 30s.
- The health and social welfare sector saw an increase of 130,000 jobs, while the food and accommodation sector added 23,000 jobs.
Korea shares data innovation expertise with Abu Dhabi : Korea shared its expertise in data-driven innovation with Abu Dhabi to strengthen cooperation in its ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2024/11/126_386655.html
Korean universities shutter departments as student enrollments plunge : Facing a steep decline in the school-age population, universities in Korea ...
koreatimes.co.kr/www/nation/2024/11/281_386609.html
Key FactsKorean Universities Close Unpopular Departments Amid Decline
Nov 19, 2024 · Reading time: ~30 sec.
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
Summary created with AI assistance · Source: koreatimes.co.kr
- Universities in South Korea are shutting down unpopular majors due to declining enrollments, especially in provincial areas.
- The school-age population has dropped to 7.15 million and is projected to fall to 3.77 million by 2060.
- Daegu University will stop recruiting for its sociology department starting in 2025, illustrating a broader trend of closures.
- Institutions are seeking to survive by introducing in-demand majors or merging existing programs.
Statistics Korea to boost global standing in population census with 2024 address canvassing
koreatimes.co.kr/www/biz/2024/11/175_386417.html