LAUSR

Background/Objectives: This paper attempts to analyze the situation of the Korean government’s response to recovering the birthrate and the contents of the Third Basic Plan for the Aging Society and Population, which have been implemented, to determine any changes and draw implications. Methods/Statistical analysis: Based on the theories of low fertility, various documents were collected and analyzed to confirm changing viewpoints of men and women regarding having children. The subjects of this study are the measures to address low fertility pursued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare for the last decade in South Korea. Findings: The study found that the Korean government seems to be trying to change its perspective in order to solve problems through new options as follows: 1] It suggested a long-term roadmap to ensure consistent implementation of tasks that cannot be completed during the third basic plan period in terms of time. 2] It focuses on the transition towards maturity in which institutions are implemented and cultures for implementation are built. 3] It demonstrates willingness to actively promote social structural reform to solve fundamental problems. However, the third plan was not found to fundamentally differ from the strategies of the existing plans. Improvements/Applications: The paradigm shift regarding measures to alleviate the low birthrate must be further strengthened and focus on the root causes of the low rate. Subsequent studies are needed.