중국은 양육비가 가장 비싼 나라 중 하나다.

Summary

This script delves into the pressing issue of the high cost of child-rearing in South Korea and China, highlighting a report that positions China as having one of the highest parenting expenses worldwide, second only to South Korea. The discussion unfolds around a Chinese professor's study, revealing that raising a child in China up to the age of 18 could cost about 1 billion KRW, making it 6.3 times the country's GDP per capita, compared to South Korea's staggering 7.7 times. The script also touches on the societal implications of these costs, including the impact on birth rates and the measures suggested to alleviate the financial burden of parenting. Moreover, it explores the unique aspects of Korea's postnatal care industry, suggesting its potential for international expansion despite the current demographic challenges.

Takeaways

• 👨‍💻 A Chinese professor's team claimed that China is one of the countries with the highest child-rearing costs in the world, positioning it as second after conducting their research.
• 📈 The estimated cost to raise a child up to 18 years old in China is around 1 billion won (approximately 53,800 yuan), which is about 6.3 times the per capita GDP, higher compared to the US and Japan.
• 🏦 Despite high child-rearing costs, China faces challenges with its declining birth rate, with predictions moving towards a lower figure in 2023 from 1.09 in 2022.
• 📚 Research suggests South Korea has even higher child-rearing costs, estimated at 7.7 times the per capita GDP, sparking a debate over the accuracy and comparison standards of such studies.
• 🛠 South Korea's Health and Welfare Ministry contested the Chinese report's findings, arguing differences in the calculation basis and emphasizing the inclusion of university costs up to the age of 22 in Korean estimates.
• 💰 The discussion highlights the intensive financial burden of education costs in Korea, particularly due to private education, which significantly impacts the overall child-rearing expenses.
• 🔧 Proposed solutions in the script suggest the need for governments to lower birth and child-rearing costs through financial support, tax deductions, and educational reforms.
• 📌 The script also touches on the cultural aspect of postnatal care in South Korea, suggesting its potential for international expansion given its high domestic adoption rate.
• 🏠 The cost of postnatal care centers in South Korea is highlighted, indicating a luxury service with prices reflecting the premium services provided.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The narrative concludes with a reflection on the societal and economic challenges posed by high child-rearing costs and the impact on family planning decisions.

Q & A

What is the title that recently attracted attention in Korean media regarding childcare costs?

Korea was called the world's most expensive country for childcare costs in a recent news article.

Why did the Chinese professor want to exclude Korea when calculating the most expensive countries for childcare?

Because Korea's childcare costs were calculated to be extremely high compared to GDP, so the professor wanted to exclude it as an outlier.

What percentage of income do childcare costs take up in Korea according to the research?

According to the Chinese research, childcare costs in Korea take up 7.7 times the per capita GDP.

What do Korean government research organizations argue about the childcare cost calculations?

Korean government research organizations argued that the Chinese research included university costs while Korea's calculations only went up to age 18, putting Korea's actual childcare multiple at 4.6 times GDP.

What is the monthly childcare cost per child in Korea according to government research organizations?

According to Korean government research organizations, the monthly childcare cost per child in Korea is about 1 million won, or around $700 USD.

What percentage of Korean students participate in private after-school tutoring?

A very high percentage, 78.3%, of Korean students participate in some form of private after-school tutoring.

How much does the private tutoring industry grow annually in Korea?

The private tutoring industry grows at an astonishing rate of 10.8% per year in Korea.

How do Korea's education expenditures compare to other OECD countries?

Korea spends the 3rd most on primary and secondary education amongst OECD countries, but falls to near the bottom on tertiary/university education spending.

How popular are Korean postpartum care centers among new mothers?

Very popular - 78% of Korean mothers prefer using postpartum care centers after giving birth over other options.

How much is the typical cost for a 2-week stay at a Korean postpartum care center?

For a 2-week stay at a postpartum care center in Korea, the cost is about 4.5 million Korean won or $3,500 USD.