On February 16, the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family announced a major expansion of government support for childcare services to alleviate parenting burdens and address care gaps. The key measure is raising the income eligibility for government support from households earning up to 200% of the median income to those earning up to 250%. This expansion allows more families to benefit from government-subsidized childcare. Additionally, the hourly care allowance has been increased by 5%, from 12,180 KRW to 12,790 KRW.
Households with high care needs, such as single-parent, grandparent-headed, disabled, and adolescent-parent families, will receive an additional 120 hours of government-supported care per year, raising the maximum to 1,080 hours. The government support ratio for children aged 6 to 12 has also been raised, and families in depopulated areas receive an extra 5% subsidy on their out-of-pocket expenses to reduce regional disparities. The related budget has been increased by 120.3 billion KRW this year. The infant care allowance was raised from 1,500 KRW to 2,000 KRW per hour, and new allowances for young children (1,000 KRW per hour) and emergency night care (5,000 KRW per day) were introduced.
Childcare services can be applied for via the official website (idolbom.go.kr) or mobile app, and government support requires prior application at local community centers or the welfare portal (bokjiro.go.kr). From April, a national qualification system for childcare workers and a registration system for private providers will be implemented. Qualified personnel who complete designated training will receive national certification, enabling them to work in both public and private sectors. Information on registered private providers will be made public, allowing families to choose reliable services.
Minister Min-Kyung Won emphasized that expanding childcare services reflects the state’s commitment to sharing parenting responsibilities with families. She pledged to continuously incorporate field feedback to enhance policy effectiveness and create a safe care environment for both parents and children. The new measures are expected to improve the quality and reliability of childcare services and meet the diverse needs of families. The government plans ongoing improvements to service quality and accessibility. For inquiries, contact the Ministry’s Childcare Support Division at 02-2100-6247.
This expansion of childcare support marks a significant shift in Korea’s approach to family care, reflecting a societal commitment to shared parenting responsibilities amid demographic challenges. Raising income thresholds and allowances, along with introducing qualification systems, will likely enhance both the quality and accessibility of care services. Continued data-driven policy adjustments and stakeholder engagement will be crucial for maximizing the impact on child welfare and reducing the overall burden on families.