The South Korean government is providing financial assistance for dates and marriage.

Imagine that the government provides financial assistance even to go on a date in a country. It sounds strange, but it is now a reality in South Korea. Despite rapid economic growth here, personal life is experiencing contraction. The young generation is moving away from relationships due to long working hours and rising inflation. The result was that the country’s birth rate has now reached its lowest level. To change this situation, the government has resorted to extraordinary measures.

Tendency to consider relationships as a ‘hassle’

In South Korea the day starts with rushing to the office and ends in fatigue. Long working hours have taken away both energy and time from people. Because of this, relationships have started being considered a ‘hassle’. Despite dating apps, real conversations are declining rapidly. While loneliness is on the rise, the tendency to give priority to career is completely dominating. This lifestyle has given priority to work over family and children.

Potential crisis for birth rate

The biggest impact of this social change is on the birth rate. South Korea’s birth rate has declined so much that serious questions are being raised about its future population. The number of children in schools is decreasing and the risk of workforce shrinking is increasing. Experts are of the opinion that if this trend continues, there will be serious pressure on the economic structure and social security system. This is not only a social but has taken the form of a national crisis.

Unique step of the government

Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, the government has adopted the path of direct intervention. Now assistance of about 350 dollars, i.e. about 31 thousand rupees is being given to go on a date. This amount can be spent on eating food together, watching a movie or on other activities. If both families meet each other, their expenses are also covered separately.

Special assistance for those getting married

Support for those who have moved on from dating to marriage has been further enhanced. In some areas, financial assistance up to Rs 25 lakh is being given for marriage. Along with this, additional funds and facilities are also provided on the birth of a child. The government wants that no relationship should be postponed due to fear of financial burden. This assistance is transferred directly to the bank accounts, so that the confidence of the beneficiaries is maintained.

challenge for the future

This policy of South Korea indicates how dire the population crisis can be. Inflation, career pressure and changed priorities have redefined the definition of family. The government is now trying to attract people towards relationships through financial incentives. Whether this experiment will be successful or not will become clear in the future, but it is a luxury that the country is making every possible effort to secure its future.