* CONTENTS

1. Introduction 2. OECD Family database: cross-sectional data 3. OECD Family database: time series data 4. Conclusions

* SUMMARY

Korea’s fertility rates remain unprecedentedly low and concerns are growing over its rapid population aging. Reversing the ongoing trends of low fertility would more than ever require efforts to increase support for child-rearing, help parents balance family and work, and promote children’s healthy development. To achieve this goal, a better understanding of Korea’s situations and lessons from advanced countries is a must. From 2006 on, the OECD family data has allowed comparisons across different countries, contributing to research in family policy. It is important that, in its effort to improve its policies on family, women and children, Korea develop statistics in alignment with international standards such as OECD’s.

Developing a database of Korean families in a format in line with the OECD standards and making it widely available would certainly galvanize further studies on family policies.