The results of a 2005 census released by the National Statistical Office tell of an "aging Korea." The population pyramid here has turned into a ’jar’ shape, the typical one of a declining population. Those in their 30s and 40s number far more than those under 30 and over 50, as Korean society is already entering a stage of declining total population.
The problem is that the birthrate is too slow. There is no other country whose population distribution has changed so rapidly in 30 years. The percentage of those under 15 years old decreased 10 points for the past five years, while those aged 65 or older now account for up to 10 percent of the entire population. As a consequence, the aged-to-child percentage rate nearly doubled every 10 years: it was at 48.6 percent in 2005, 25.8 percent in 1995, and 14 percent in 1985. After 10 years, baby boomers in their 30s and 40s, the main productive force of the population, will be included in the elderly bracket.
There is no hint of improvement in the situation of population concentration by region. Nearly half (48.2 percent) of Korea’s population resided in Seoul, Gyeonggi province and Incheon in 2005, compared to 45.3 percent in 1995 and 46.3 percent in 2000. Residents of Seoul declined slightly, but those in surrounding Gyeonggi province soared. The population in Southern and Northern Jeolla provinces and Northern Gyeongsang province decreased by 4 to 8 percent each and the situation in major cities like Daegu and Busan was the same. The government is pushing ahead on its plans for decentralization and the construction of administrative cities aimed at promoting balanced regional development, but the imbalance and rural exodus are serious problems to try to tackle.
An even population distribution and a positive growth rate are the starting points of national strategies on the economy, welfare and education. If the population change fails to accord with the economic and social structure, we will not be able to anticipate sustainable development. The ability of society to support its members will be weakened as the social welfare system is threatened. Additionally, conflict among interest groups and generations will worsen. Long-term insight and concrete measures are desperately needed.
[Editorial] Korea is getting old too quickly |
