Three counties in North Gyeongsang Province had no practicing obstetrics and gynecology specialists in 2025, the largest number among South Korean provinces and metropolitan areas. Ulleung, Cheongsong and Yeongyang were among nine areas nationwide without a specialist. The figures were drawn from data provided by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service and analyzed at the request of lawmaker Seo Young-seok.
The projected gap could spread if current specialists stop practicing at age 75 and no new doctors enter the affected areas. Under that assumption, Seongju could lose its remaining specialist coverage by 2030, followed by Cheongdo in 2035. Nationwide, the number of areas without an obstetrics and gynecology specialist could rise from nine in 2025 to 12 in 2030 and 25 in 2035.
The age structure of the workforce adds pressure to rural access. In 2025, 101 specialists aged 75 or older were working in provinces outside Seoul and the metropolitan cities, compared with 43 specialists in their 30s. The figures do not establish when individual doctors will retire or whether new staff will be hired, so the projection is a scenario rather than a fixed forecast.
The shortage affects more than childbirth services. Residents may also need local access to care for menstrual problems, gynecological conditions, menopause and health management after menopause. Seo said workforce planning should reflect regional age profiles and the likelihood of attracting new specialists, rather than focusing only on the national total. Actual outcomes will depend on retirement timing and recruitment in each county.