The number of newborns in South Korea hit a record low of 493-thousand-500 last year despite a slight rise in the fertility rate.

The National Statistical Office says the figure represents a year-on-year drop of one thousand-100 babies and is the lowest since the country started compiling data in 1970.

The NSO said Wednesday the low birth rate reflects a recent trend to delay marriage and having babies, as more women are holding onto their jobs after marriage.

The average age of marriage stood at 30 for men and 27-point-three for women last year.

Regarding the mortality rate, 245-thousand South Koreans died last year or an average six-hundred-73 people a day. In most age groups, the male death rate was at least two times higher than the female.