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South Korea's fertility crisis is well-documented. The country faces a demographic shift characterized by an aging population and shrinking birth rates, which threaten long-term economic stability. Yet, the Hong family defies this nationwide trend, choosing to raise their children in the rural town of Hwacheon.
They have children ranging in age from early childhood to teenage years, and the family’s story highlights how their environment contributes to their decision to have more children despite national hardships. Their experience suggests that with the right local policies and community infrastructure, families can thrive in rural settings.