Gangneung has recorded simultaneous increases in births and marriage registrations. The city plans to step up promotion of its marriage and childbirth support policies at the Gangneung Danoje festival to sustain the population rebound.
According to resident registration statistics from the Ministry of Interior and Safety, Gangneung recorded 811 births in 2025, up 47 from the previous year. Through May 2026, the city had logged 388 births, an increase of 65 over the same period a year earlier.
Marriage registrations also rose for a second consecutive year, climbing from 626 in 2023 to 749 in 2025, providing a solid foundation for the recovery in birth rates.
To sustain the positive trend, Gangneung has produced a new "Pregnancy, Childbirth and Childcare Service Guide" leaflet consolidating the city's various life-cycle support programs in one easy-to-read format. Designed with prospective parents and families raising young children in mind, the leaflet lays out key benefits and programs across pregnancy, childbirth and childcare in a user-friendly way.
Starting Monday, the city will bring these resources directly to residents at the 2026 Gangneung Danoje festival. In front of the festival's main information center, Gangneung will operate a stroller rental booth in partnership with the Gangneung Women's Organizations Council, distributing child-safety ID bracelets and the new policy leaflets to visitors while actively promoting its support programs.
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