Seoul expands child care subsidies for foreign residents
 

Seoul has expanded childcare subsidies for foreign residents, removing age limits and increasing financial support to ensure equal benefits for non-Korean children from infancy to age five.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has revised several long-standing regulations affecting foreign residents, aiming to enhance accessibility and support. The changes are part of Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s broader reform agenda, according to Maeil Business Newspaper.

One revision eliminates the age limit on childcare subsidies for non-Korean children. Previously, only foreign children aged 3 to 5 received 50% child care subsidy. The new policy extends subsidy support from infancy to age 5, ensuring equal support to Korean peers.

Additionally, children attending daycare in Seoul now qualify for subsidies even if they reside outside the city. Parents are also no longer subject to income-based restrictions

As of last year, childcare costs for infants to 2-year-olds ranged from 390,000 to 540,000 won (US$270 - 376) per month, according to the Korea Times.

In 2023, Seoul allocated 1.7 billion won to support 1,480 children of foreign nationals aged 3 to 5. With expanded eligibility, the budget has been increased to 3.5 billion won, aiming to assist 3,100 children. The policy is retroactively applied from January 2025.

South Korea, which has consistently posted the world's lowest fertility rates, has introduced several measures to encourage young people to marry and have children. Among the incentives are a one-million won ($685) support to couples who register their marriage in 2025 and a one-time tax deduction of 500,000 won ($349.35) per person for couples married between 2024 and 2026.

Source: https://e.vnexpress.net/news/news/seoul-expands-child-care-subsidies-for-foreign-residents-4851461.html

Comprehension

What major change has Seoul made regarding childcare subsidies for foreign residents?
What was the previous age limit for foreign children receiving childcare subsidies?
How much financial support did Seoul allocate for foreign children’s childcare in 2023?
How has the budget changed for 2025, and how many children are expected to benefit?
Besides expanding childcare support, what other incentives has South Korea introduced to encourage marriage and childbirth?
When will the new childcare policy be applied retroactively?
Why has South Korea introduced these policies?

Discussion

Do you think governments should provide the same childcare support for both citizens and foreign residents? Why or why not?
How do you think financial support for childcare affects birth rates?
In your country, are there any similar incentives for parents?
What are some challenges faced by foreign residents raising children in a new country?
Do you think financial incentives like tax deductions and subsidies are enough to encourage people to have more children? Why or why not?
What other policies might help support families and encourage higher birth rates?
How do you think the rising cost of living affects decisions about having children?

Vocabulary

Subsidy – Financial assistance from the government.
Eligibility – Meeting the conditions to receive benefits.
Retroactively – Applied to a past date.
Fertility rate – The average number of children born per woman.
Incentive – Something that motivates or encourages an action.
Deduction – A reduction in the amount of taxes owed.
Childcare costs – Expenses related to taking care of young children.
Income-based restrictions – Limits on benefits depending on how much someone earns.