• #Central government
• #Competition

This study analyzed the diffusion mechanisms of pro-natalist policies in local governments in Korea, revealing that horizontal diffusion is driven by learning, competition, and emulation, while top-down diffusion is influenced by emulation and coercion. The analysis showed that local governments lead the diffusion and that central government intervention affects policy diffusion. Policy makers were found to recognize various diffusion mechanisms and perceive themselves as rational decision-makers.