The low birth rate problem in South Korea and the overcrowding phenomenon in the metropolitan area are deeply interconnected. The concentration of population in the metropolitan area is a major factor driving the younger generation to move to Seoul and its surrounding regions in search of job opportunities, education, and cultural experiences. This process results in the following issues:
1. High Cost of Living and Housing Expenses
The high cost of housing and living in the metropolitan area imposes a significant burden on starting a family and having children. This leads young people to delay or even abandon marriage and childbirth.
2. Lack of Childcare Infrastructure
Due to overpopulation in the metropolitan area, there is a severe shortage of childcare facilities and overcrowded classrooms. Parents find it difficult to secure a stable and high-quality childcare environment, discouraging them from having children.
3. Risk of Depopulation in Rural Areas and Lack of Opportunities
As the population continues to concentrate in the metropolitan area, rural regions suffer from a lack of jobs, education, and medical infrastructure, leading to a rapid decrease in the population of childbearing age. This makes life in rural areas less attractive and further intensifies the cycle of population concentration in the metropolitan area.
Solutions
To comprehensively address these two interlinked issues, a multifaceted and long-term approach is required. By integrating wisdom from classical philosophy with modern policy measures, the following solutions are proposed:
1. Population Decentralization through Balanced Regional Development
Developing Regional Hub Cities
High-tech industrial complexes and research institutes should be established in rural areas, alongside world-class education and healthcare infrastructure. As stated in The Great Learning (Daxue), “A well-governed nation begins with the stability of the household.” Ensuring the stability of local communities is the foundation of national development.
Relocating Public Institutions to Rural Areas
Government departments and public enterprises concentrated in the metropolitan area should be relocated to rural regions to encourage population decentralization. This would contribute to revitalizing the local economy and improving overall quality of life.
2. Creating a Childbirth-Friendly Social Environment
Ensuring Stability in Childcare and Housing
Both metropolitan and rural areas should expand childcare subsidies and public housing to alleviate the economic burden on young people. Mencius reminds us that “The stability of the people is the foundation of national prosperity.” This principle should guide policy decisions.
Supporting Work-Life Balance
Flexible work arrangements, remote work, and effective parental leave policies should be reinforced to allow parents to balance work and family life.
3. Changing Cultural and Social Values
Strengthening Community Spirit and Revitalizing Local Culture
Reevaluating and promoting the unique culture and traditions of local regions, while encouraging active participation in community activities, will help strengthen social bonds. Confucius stated in The Analects, “When the fundamentals are in place, the path will open.” Strengthening the cultural foundations of local communities is key to balanced national development.
Respecting Diverse Family Structures
Policies should be inclusive of not only large families but also single-person households, dual-income couples, and other diverse family structures.
4. Designing a Sustainable Future
Decentralizing Education and Employment Opportunities
Universities and corporations that are overly concentrated in the metropolitan area should establish branch campuses and regional offices, enabling young people to pursue education and careers in rural areas.
Developing Eco-Friendly Urban Planning
Expanding green spaces and parks in rural cities, along with constructing sustainable transportation networks, will create an environment conducive to population decentralization.
Conclusion
The low birth rate issue and the overcrowding of the metropolitan area are not isolated problems but rather complex and interwoven structural challenges. Addressing them requires a holistic approach encompassing economic support, balanced regional development, restoration of community values, and population decentralization policies. By reinterpreting the principles of harmony and balance emphasized in The Great Learning and Mencius in a modern context, we can strive to build a society where all can thrive together.
