Foreign children aged 5 or below who attend daycare centers in Seoul can receive half off the related fees. (iclickart) *[Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of the above photo is strictly prohibited under copyright laws and regulations.]

By Lee Jihae

Foreign children up to age 5 attending daycare centers in Seoul can receive up to 50% off related fees.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Feb. 16 said this in announcing a deregulation plan to ease standards applied differently to foreign residents of the city.

Before, foreign children were eligible for a 50% discount on daycare costs only if they were ages 3-5, but that range was expanded to 0-5. They can receive this benefit for attending such venues in the capital even if they do not reside in Seoul regardless of their parents' income levels.

Foreign women who are pregnant can also receive transportation fee subsidies through an easier application process, with the Seoul residency requirement scrapped. They can receive the benefit by simply submitting confirmation of pregnancy and a copy of resident registration.

jihlee08@korea.kr