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When storks stay away: South Korea's baby crisis
Population crisis in South Korea as young couples choose not to have babies
Taiwan and South Korea are facing a baby crisis as fertility rates hit historic lows and population numbers plunged for the first time last year. Straits Times correspondents look at why the storks are not visiting and what the governments are doing about it.
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The South Korean government has pledged to spend another 196 trillion won (S$235 billion) on various schemes over the next five years to encourage childbirth.
PHOTO: SEOUL METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT/PENTA PRESS
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SEOUL - Even though she loves children, newly married Kim Su-ji is in no hurry to have one herself.
The freelance designer, 30, wants to enjoy life first with her husband, doing activities such as hanging out at cafes and going camping, while at the same time saving money to buy a house.
