[2026-01-18]Korean Government Expands Childcare Support and Raises Service Fees in 2024

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The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family has expanded the income eligibility for government-supported childcare services to households earning up to 250% of the median income and raised the service fee by 5%.
Single-parent, grandparent, disabled, and teen parent families can now receive up to 1,080 hours of support per year, with the 2024 budget increased by 120.3 billion KRW.
From April, a national qualification system and registration for private providers will enhance the reliability and professionalism of childcare services.

[2026-01-18]Korea Strengthens Child Welfare: Temporary Guardianship and Legal Support Expanded

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The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced a draft amendment to the Child Welfare Act enforcement decree and rules, open for public comment from February 16.
The revision allows foster caregivers to act as temporary guardians and expands legal counseling support by the National Center for the Rights of the Child.
These changes aim to prevent protection gaps before official guardians are appointed and enhance support for children with disabilities.

[2026-01-18]KFDA to Release Tobacco Harmful Substance Test Results in October

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The Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) will disclose the results of tobacco harmful substance tests in October.
Manufacturers and importers must submit test results by the end of this month, following the Tobacco Harmful Substance Management Act enacted in November 2023.
KFDA aims to enhance public health and promote a smoke-free environment by strengthening scientific disclosure and testing systems.

[2026-01-17]Korean Public Medical Sites Face Scraping Risks, Urgent Shift to API Discussed

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The Personal Information Protection Commission highlighted serious privacy risks from scraping on public medical institution websites.
On June 16, a forum was held at Gwanghwamun Press Center with the National Health Insurance Service and others to discuss countermeasures and safety improvements.
Authorities are pushing for an API-based system and regulatory changes, including amendments to the Personal Information Protection Act.

[2026-01-17]Housing Act and Urban Renewal Law Amendments to Accelerate Housing Supply

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Housing construction permits will now include integrated reviews of education, disaster, and fire safety.
Urban renewal project procedures are streamlined by consolidating multiple planning steps into one.
These legal revisions are expected to shorten housing supply and renewal timelines by 3 to 6 months.

[2026-01-17]Korean Government to Support Up to 20 Trillion Won for Metropolitan Integration and Relocation of Public Institutions

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The Korean government will provide up to 20 trillion won over four years to promote administrative integration among metropolitan local governments and prioritize the relocation of public institutions.
Special integrated cities will receive status and autonomy comparable to Seoul, with measures to boost industry and incentives for local growth.
A fiscal decentralization task force has been launched to discuss detailed plans, positioning administrative integration as a key strategy for balanced national development.