Infant Mortality Rate: Korea, Republic of

Analysis# Korea, Republic of Infant Mortality Rate South Korea's infant mortality rate stands at 2.3 per 1,000 births in 2024, representing one of the world's lowest levels. The country has achieved a remarkable 96.9% reduction since 1960, when the rate peaked at 74.4 per 1,000 births. This dramatic improvement reflects decades of advances in healthcare infrastructure, maternal care, and living standards. The decline accelerated significantly between 1960 and the early 2000s, with most gains concentrated in the first three decades. Since 2015, progress has continued but at a slower pace, dropping from 2.9 to 2.3 per 1,000 births. The recent downward trajectory—consistent annual decreases from 2020 onward—suggests South Korea's infant mortality rate may stabilize at or near current levels, positioning the nation among global leaders in child survival.