Changes in Gender Preference for Children in Korean Society: Notable Preference for Daughters

The preference for daughters in South Korea has increased nearly threefold compared to 30 years ago.

According to a survey conducted by Gallup International from October 2024 to February 2025, involving 44 countries and 44,783 adults, South Korea emerged as the country with the highest preference for daughters.

In this survey, 65% of adults across all 44 countries responded that "the gender of children does not matter." Notably, in Mexico (84%), Georgia (82%), Denmark, and Sweden (81%), the response expressing no preference for child gender was overwhelming.

In contrast, 28% of respondents in South Korea indicated a preference for daughters, ranking first among the top five countries favoring daughters. Japan, Spain, and the Philippines followed with 26%, and Bangladesh with 24%.

The preference ratio for sons in South Korea is 15%, showing a gap of over 10 percentage points between the preference for sons and daughters.

Differences in Preferences by Generation and Changes Over 30 Years

There were distinct generational differences within South Korea regarding gender preference.

Among those aged 60 and above, the preference for sons (23%) was slightly higher than that for daughters (20%). However, individuals aged 50 and younger showed a stronger preference for daughters. Notably, among women in their 30s and 40s, the tendency to prefer daughters was particularly pronounced (in the 40% range).

This shift demonstrates a dramatic change compared to a similar survey in 1992 when 58% of South Koreans preferred sons, and only 10% preferred daughters.

By age groups, the preference was 42% among those in their 20s, 54% among those in their 30s, 65% among those in their 40s, and 79% among those aged 50 and above. The opinion that "having a son is essential after marriage" also significantly decreased from 45% in 1995 to 24% in 2008.

According to data from the Statistics Korea, the birth sex ratio in South Korea (the number of boys per 100 girls) has decreased from 116.5 in 1990 to 105.1 in 2023. The figure, which exceeded 110 until 2000, stabilized within the natural range of sex ratio (103–107) after 2008.

Global Trends and Reasons for the Preference for Daughters

In June, The Economist highlighted that "for the first time in human history, preferences for daughters are emerging in various regions worldwide," using South Korea as a representative example.

The Economist analyzed that the decline in the preference for sons is influenced by various factors, including "changing perceptions of gender," "the increase of unmarried men," and "societal reflection on misogyny."

Additionally, the media noted that "the preference for daughters is driven by concerns about the future of sons," stating that "93% of the global prison population is male, and in most countries, male students' academic performance is lower than that of female students."

Sociologists suggest that "daughters are physically easier to raise than sons and have a higher likelihood of caring for elderly parents."

According to a master's thesis by Kim Da-mi from Hanyang University Graduate School of Clinical Nursing, 82.4% (103 individuals) of those who primarily care for elderly patients with dementia are women, nearly five times the number of men (17.6%, 22 individuals).

The relationship with elderly patients with dementia is most frequently held by daughters at 42.4%, followed by daughters-in-law (16.8%), sons (15.2%), others (13.6%), and spouses (12.0%).

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