In recent years, the social phenomenon in Korea has attracted a lot of attention, especially when we see a shocking statistic: today, the number of dogs in Korea actually exceeds that of humans! That's right, you heard it right, this peculiar situation is happening not only in a metropolis like Seoul, but also in Busan, the second largest city, where a crisis of "disappearance" is gradually brewing.
First, let's take a look at the demographics of Korea. According to recent statistics, the birth rate of Korea's total population has fallen to a record low, and it is even called a "country with a low birth rate". This phenomenon is not just a number, it reflects the change in the structure and values of the whole society. More and more young people are choosing to marry later and have fewer children, and some even don't plan to get married and have children at all. This has deserted the otherwise bustling streets, where what used to be family gatherings has become a luxury, and pets alone have become a new option for many.
In this case, the number of dogs has skyrocketed. People see pets as friends, family, and even emotional sustenance. Dog ownership has become a major choice for many singles and young families, who are willing to invest time and money in their pets as a way to compensate for the loneliness in their lives. This trend has not only led to an increasing number of dogs, but has also given rise to a huge pet industry that covers everything from pet food to grooming care.
However, such a shift has not come without a cost. As the population continues to decline, some parts of Korea, especially Busan, are beginning to face the risk of "disappearing". Many neighborhoods and business districts are gradually depressed due to the lack of adequate population support, and business activities are also reduced. Some once bustling streets are now sparsely populated, and it is not uncommon for shops to close their doors.
It is worth noting that the Korea government has realized the seriousness of this "demographic crisis" and has tried to respond with various measures. For example, promoting fertility policies to encourage young couples to marry and have children, while providing financial support and childcare subsidies, hopes to reverse this trend. However, the effect does not seem to be significant, and many young people still choose to pursue career and personal development rather than the traditional family model.
In addition to policy efforts, Korea society is gradually changing its views on population and family. On social media, more and more people are sharing the joy of owning a dog and the happy moments of interacting with dogs. This cultural phenomenon alleviates people's loneliness to some extent, but it also further exacerbates the neglect of human relationships.
For Busan, which is about to disappear, this is indeed a serious challenge. How to revitalize the city and attract young people to return has become a top priority for the city government. From infrastructure improvements to a wide range of cultural activities, efforts are being made to bring the city back to life.
In addition, with the popularity of social media, many pet-themed communities are rapidly emerging. People share their dogs' daily lives on these platforms, exchange pet raising experiences, and even hold offline events, forming a new way of socializing. While this phenomenon is joyful, it also reflects the fact that people choose to develop a deeper emotional connection with their pets in the face of increasingly alienated relationships.
Overall, the demographic crisis facing Korea is not just a decline in numbers, but a subtle social change. We should pay attention to this issue because it has a profound impact on the future and development of the country. We hope that through more discussions and efforts, we can find suitable solutions to bring people closer together, and at the same time create a better living environment for our pets.
In this era of "more dogs than people", where will Busan's future go? Let's wait and see how we can contribute to the revival of this beautiful city.