Seoul hopes egg freezing can help South Korea baby crisis, experts disagree

South Korea has one of the lowest birth rates in the world, meaning the population is ageing – and shrinking – rapidly. - PHOTO: AFP

SEOUL (AFP): As South Korea's birth rate hits fresh lows, Seoul city officials have a plan to help -- subsidised egg freezing. But experts warn the initiative is unlikely to reverse precipitous demographic decline.

At just 0.7 births per woman late last year, South Korea has one of the lowest birthrates in the world, far below the replacement rate, meaning the population is ageing -- and shrinking -- rapidly.