Following tragic incidents involving children left unattended, South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare introduced a nationwide extended night childcare policy. The initiative aims to provide safe, accessible care for children aged 6 to 12 when parents are delayed due to work, emergencies, or other unavoidable circumstances. The policy is part of a broader government response to child safety concerns, particularly after a fatal apartment fire in 2023. The new system is designed to offer both regular and emergency night care, ensuring that families can quickly access support when needed.
The policy directly impacts families with elementary-aged children, specifically those between 6 and 12 years old. Parents can now use the unified hotline (1522-1318) to connect with local childcare centers, regardless of prior usage history. The service allows for same-day registration up to two hours before care is needed, with facilities open until 10 PM or midnight. Out of 5,500 village childcare facilities nationwide, 343 have been selected to participate, offering increased coverage and convenience.
The extended night childcare service began on January 5, 2026, and has seen significant uptake in its first two months. Between January and February 2026, a total of 47,084 children used the service after 8 PM, averaging 1,273 children per day. Most users (97.8%) were regular daytime attendees extending their stay, while 2.2% accessed the service for emergency or temporary needs. The hotline was established in response to feedback from early field consultations, aiming to streamline access and improve awareness among parents.
Parents often ask how to access the service and what support is available. By dialing 1522-1318, callers are automatically connected to their regional child center support team, which provides information on nearby available facilities. KB Financial Group is supporting the initiative with 6 billion KRW over three years, funding facility improvements and safe transportation. The locations and usage instructions for participating centers are available on the Child Rights Protection Agency website. For further inquiries, parents can contact the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Child Protection Independence Division at 044-202-3443.
The launch of a unified hotline for extended night childcare in South Korea is a practical and timely response to child safety incidents and parental needs. The policy’s design allows for both regular and emergency access, making it highly adaptable for families with varying schedules. The strong initial usage figures demonstrate its relevance and effectiveness. Private sector support from KB Financial Group ensures ongoing improvements and operational stability. This initiative is likely to improve child welfare and parental peace of mind, while setting a precedent for similar policies elsewhere.