I cover a wide range of stories about Korean society — one of the most dynamic places in the world. To me, journalism means being on the ground, uncovering untold stories and amplifying marginalized voices, especially in an era when AI is reshaping the media landscape. That’s why I’m always here to listen. Tips and stories are welcome — feel free to reach out via email. Before becoming a journalist, I traveled through 24 countries over 702 days, served two years as a military police officer in the Republic of Korea Air Force and later studied filmmaking at the Korea National University of Arts.
1 in 5 babies born in Seoul conceived through fertility support
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By Park Ung
After three years of failed attempts and an infertility diagnosis, a couple in their 40s from western Seoul's Gangseo District faced mounting medical bills and emotional strain. With city subsidies easing the burden, they pushed through 19 rounds of in vitro fertilization over nearly four years and finally brought home a baby boy last December.
Their story illustrates the growing reach of Seoul's fertility support program, which contributed to around 20 percent of the 46,401 babies born in the city last year.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday that 9,234 babies were born through fertility support in 2025, a 31.8 percent increase from the year before. The city funded 66,906 fertility procedures — up 24 percent from 2024 — for 26,283 individuals. Recipients in their 30s accounted for the largest share at 63.5 percent, followed by those 40 and older at 35 percent.
While central government guidelines cap subsidized procedures by type, Seoul's program does not. Under Ministry of Health and Welfare rules, couples may receive up to 25 procedures per birth, with no more than 20 in vitro fertilization cycles and five artificial insemination attempts. Seoul allows all 25 to be used regardless of procedure type, giving patients more flexibility.
The city also expanded coverage last year for treatments interrupted on medical grounds, adding conditions such as poor ovarian response, premature ovulation, poor endometrial lining and failure to ovulate to existing criteria, to ease the financial burden on affected couples.
To help manage stress and depression, Seoul runs a counseling center for pregnant women and couples dealing with infertility. The city also plans to conduct a study on the physical health effects of repeated fertility procedures on women, using the findings to shape future policy.
“We are strengthening support so that couples do not have to give up treatment because of financial or psychological difficulties,” said Cho Young-chang, head of the city's public health bureau, adding that Seoul will continue to ensure that anyone can receive care without worry as they strive for a healthy pregnancy.