South Korea’s Population Crisis Forces School Closures

The Alarming Closure of Schools in South Korea: A Symptom of a Deeper Demographic Crisis

South Korea is grappling with an unprecedented demographic challenge as nearly 50 schools across the country are set to close their doors this year. This alarming trend is a direct consequence of the nation’s record-low fertility rate, which stands at just 0.75 births per woman—the lowest in the world. Despite massive government investments in cash subsidies and pro-natal policies, the birth rate has remained stubbornly low, prompting former President Yoon Suk-yeol to declare a "demographic national emergency." The closure of these schools is not just a statistical anomaly; it is a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of this crisis, which threatens the very fabric of South Korean society.

Why It Matters: Understanding the Gravity of South Korea’s Fertility Crisis

The root of South Korea’s demographic crisis lies in its extraordinarily low fertility rate, which has defied decades of government intervention. The nation has spent hundreds of billions of dollars on initiatives aimed at encouraging families to have more children, yet the birth rate has barely budged. This year alone, 49 elementary, middle, and high schools will shutter, a number that has more than doubled since 2023. Elementary schools are bearing the brunt of these closures, with only a handful of closures occurring in metropolitan areas—and none in the bustling capital of Seoul. This trend highlights the uneven impact of urbanization, as rural schools disappear at an alarming rate, leaving communities devastated and sounding the alarm for policymakers.

The Human Impact: Urbanization, Aging, and the Struggle to Adapt

The closure of schools is just one piece of a larger puzzle. Decades of intense urbanization have drawn young families to cities, leaving rural areas with dwindling populations and fewer students to fill classrooms. Last year, 122 elementary schools across the country enrolled no new students—a haunting sign of the times. Meanwhile, South Korea’s population is aging rapidly, with the proportion of people aged 65 and older reaching 20 percent, officially designating it a "super-aged society." This demographic shift has profound implications for the economy and society as a whole, with fewer young workers to support the growing elderly population.

Expert Insights: A Call for Comprehensive Solutions

Experts are urging a shift in approach to address the crisis. Jung Jae-hoon, a professor of social welfare at Seoul Women’s University, points out that while childcare systems have improved significantly, the private sector must step up to create more family-friendly workplaces. "It’s a job half done," he says, emphasizing the need for corporate policies that support working parents. Meanwhile, Joo Hyung-hwan, vice-chairman of the Presidential Committee on Ageing Society and Population Policy, suggests that the focus should expand beyond boosting the birthrate to include strategies such as attracting more foreigners to offset the labor shortages.

What Lies Ahead: A Society-Wide Effort to Address the Crisis

The challenges facing South Korea are not just about numbers; they are about cultural and societal change. Observers are calling for a society-wide effort to reform work culture, including addressing workplace discrimination against women, which is often cited as a reason for delaying or forgoing childbirth. This year’s slight uptick in marriages and births, attributed to the end of the COVID-19 pandemic, offers a glimmer of hope, but it is unlikely to reverse the long-term trend. Policymakers must act decisively to create a more supportive environment for families, while also exploring innovative solutions to mitigate the impact of the demographic shift.

Moving Forward: A Path to Sustainability and Renewal

The closure of schools in South Korea is a wake-up call for a nation at a crossroads. While the immediate focus is on stemming the tide of school closures, the broader challenge is to create a society that values and supports families, attracts new talent, and ensures economic vitality for future generations. It will require a collective effort—from policymakers and business leaders to educators and citizens—to reimagine a future where South Korea can thrive despite its demographic challenges. The road ahead is daunting, but with determination and innovation, South Korea can turn this crisis into an opportunity for growth and renewal.