• Source:JND
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A video posted by an Indian woman living in South Korea has gone viral, sparking heated conversations online about maternity support systems in different countries. The clip, shared by Instagram user Neha Arora, has garnered over 35 lakh views in just one day, drawing thousands of likes and comments. Neha, who is married to a South Korean man and recently became a mother, revealed the extensive government support she received during and after childbirth. Her reel left many Indian viewers stunned, as she broke down the generous financial benefits available to parents in South Korea.

South Korea has rolled out some of the most substantial family-support initiatives in the world to tackle its record-low birth rate. Neha explained that the benefits for a child born can total approximately 29.6 million won (about Rs 18.5 lakh or USD 22,128).

 
 
 
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A post shared by Neha Arora (@mylovefromkorea17)

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Cash Payment at Birth: Parents receive an initial lump sum, usually around 2 million won (Rs 1.25 lakh), with larger amounts offered for subsequent children.

Monthly Child-Rearing Payments: Families are entitled to monthly allowances for several years after the child’s birth, totalling 9.6 million won (Rs 6 lakh) over eight years.

Expanded Benefits: Together, the lump sum and monthly payments create a package worth nearly 30 million won for parents of children born in 2024.

Application Process: Parents must apply within 60 days of the child’s birth to ensure they receive the full benefit.

 Encouraging Marriage

South Korea isn’t just incentivising childbirth, it’s also addressing declining marriage rates. Local governments have launched matchmaking programs that include financial subsidies for couples.

Marriage Subsidies: In places like Busan, couples who meet through official matchmaking events receive cash rewards if they marry.

Dating & Engagement Support: These programs even help cover the costs of dating and engagement.

Marriage Starter Fund: Seoul has announced plans to introduce a one-time “marriage starter fund” of 1 million won (Rs 62,500) for newly registered couples to ease financial strain in the early stages of married life.

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The viral reel has triggered comparisons between South Korea and India, where maternity benefits are limited and vary across employment sectors. Many commenters praised South Korea’s progressive approach, while others expressed frustration over the lack of similar schemes in India.

For Neha, the overwhelming online response highlights how government policy can directly impact everyday lives. And for millions of young Indians scrolling through her video, the message was clear: in South Korea, family planning doesn’t just come from the heart—it comes with a paycheck.