The “3-Po” Generation: Why Many Young Koreans Are Giving Up on Love, Marriage, and Parenthood
The “3-Po” (삼포세대) movement in South Korea refers to a growing trend among young people who are giving up three major aspects of life: dating, marriage, and childbirth. The term “Po” (포기) in Korean means “to give up,” and this generational label highlights how economic and social pressures are reshaping personal priorities. The movement shares philosophical roots with the 4B (Four No’s) movement, though the 3-Po trend is not necessarily ideological—it’s often seen as a reluctant response to systemic hardship.
Here are the three core areas the 3-Po generation is opting out of:
- Dating (연애)
Many young Koreans feel that romantic relationships have become emotionally and financially unsustainable. A mix of academic pressure, competitive job markets, long working hours, and the rigid corporate hierarchy (often compared to a “big brother” system) leave little time or energy for dating. Some also feel that relationships are more likely to result in emotional exhaustion than fulfillment, especially when they’re still trying to establish basic financial stability. - Marriage (결혼)
Rising living costs and stagnant wages make marriage increasingly unattractive or unfeasible for many young adults. According to some surveys and economic estimates, the cost of raising a child from birth to college in South Korea can exceed 300 million won (approx. $220,000 USD), particularly if the child is expected to attend a prestigious university in Seoul. Many now see marriage not as a life goal but as a financial burden and social obligation that interferes with personal freedom, mental health, and career goals. - Childbirth (출산)
Childrearing, especially for women, involves significant economic and professional sacrifices. In a society where maternity leave is limited, and career interruptions can mean losing seniority or being pushed out of competitive roles, many women feel they must choose between motherhood and career progression. South Korea also has some of the lowest levels of public support for working mothers among OECD countries. Faced with low birth subsidies, high education costs, and a lack of structural support, many women—and couples—are deciding against having children at all.
This shift is not merely anecdotal. South Korea’s fertility rate dropped to a record low of 0.72 in 2023, the lowest among OECD countries and far below the replacement rate of 2.1. While some policymakers continue to push pro-natalist policies, the deeper issue appears to be systemic: young Koreans are not rejecting traditional life stages out of rebellion—but out of exhaustion, disillusionment, and economic necessity.
Why Many Korean Women Are Saying No to Marriage and Childbirth
The “3-Po” generation trend—referring to young people giving up dating, marriage, and childbirth—is especially prominent among women in South Korea. Many women are opting out of these traditional life milestones not out of rebellion, but due to practical concerns about career stability, personal freedom, and economic pressure.
This mirrors broader demographic patterns observed in highly educated and economically developed countries across Europe and Asia, where female non-marriage and fertility rates are also declining.
Why Are Young Koreans “Giving Up” These Traditions?
The term “3-Po” (삼포세대) literally means the “generation that gives up three things.” These “three things” were once considered essential to adult life by previous generations—often encouraged or expected by parents and relatives. However, younger Koreans are turning away from them in pursuit of:
Personal time and freedom
Happiness and emotional health
Flexible or non-traditional careers
Financial security and independence
This shift is largely driven by systemic pressures, including:
Stagnant wages and rising cost of living
Inflation and housing costs in urban centers
Long working hours and corporate hierarchy
Extreme academic pressure from Korea’s competitive university entrance system
Job insecurity, especially in a saturated white-collar market
The Bigger Picture: Economic Pressures and Shifting Norms
The 3-Po Generation (삼포세대)—named for “giving up three things”: dating, marriage, and childbirth—echoes many of the same values as the 4B movement. Both are reactions to deep structural inequalities and economic insecurity, including:
High youth (young people) unemployment
Stagnant wages despite high educational attainment
Soaring housing prices, especially in Seoul
Long work hours and intense corporate culture (big brother hierarchy)
Lack of work-life balance and parental support systems
Instead of following the traditional life script, more young Koreans are now choosing to live for themselves. They are investing in their own mental well-being, travel, entrepreneurship, or alternative careers such as freelance or part time—even if it means rejecting family-centered lifestyles pushed by their parents or society.
Social Consequences and Policy Response
These changes are having a profound impact on Korean society:
An aging population and shrinking workforce
Concerns over national productivity and future economic sustainability
Growing demand for immigration reform to supplement the declining population
Government attempts to reverse trends through cash incentives, housing support, and childcare benefits
Yet, despite these policies, underlying institutional issues remain: workplace discrimination, lack of gender equality, unaffordable housing, and overemphasis on educational competition. Until those are addressed, the 4B and 3-Po trends are unlikely to disappear.
Broader Context: Education, Culture, and Stress
South Korea has one of the world’s most intense education systems, with students preparing for university entrance exams (like the Suneung) from an early age. Parents, too, face immense pressure—raising a child from birth to college (especially a top 10 university in Seoul) is estimated to cost up to 300 million won (around $220,000 USD).
In this environment, young adults—especially women—are increasingly unwilling to sacrifice their own ambitions, well-being, or finances to follow a traditional path of marriage and childrearing.
At the same time, cultural attitudes are changing: remaining single or choosing not to have children is becoming a normalized and respected choice. The younger generation places greater value on self-care, personal development, and autonomy than on conforming to outdated expectations.
The Impact on Korean Society
This widespread shift in lifestyle priorities is already having serious demographic consequences:
South Korea’s fertility rate hit an all-time low of 0.72 in 2023, the lowest in the OECD
The population is aging rapidly, creating future challenges for healthcare and pensions
Labor shortages are expected in both skilled and unskilled sectors
The government is beginning to rethink immigration policy and consider long-term economic impacts
In response, South Korea has introduced various incentives for marriage and childbirth—including housing support, childcare subsidies, and parental leave policies. However, many experts argue that these programs fail to address the root causes, such as gender inequality in the workplace, job insecurity, and unaffordable housing.
Final Thought
The 3-Po (and similar 4B) movements reflect not just economic struggle but a generational shift in values. Young Koreans are no longer willing to sacrifice their mental health, careers, or financial future to meet traditional expectations. Whether government reforms can reverse this trend remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the old model of adulthood no longer appeals to Korea’s younger generation.