Foreign children present the pop-up book "Korea's World Cultural Heritage." (Yonhap News)

By Koh Hyunjeong

The municipal government of Gongju, Chungcheongnam-do Province, on Nov. 12 announced its launch of child care support for foreign children.

The initiative aims to help foreign residents settle stably in the province and ensure equal educational and developmental opportunities for all children regardless of nationality.

The targets are children ages 0-5 from foreign families who have lived in Chungcheongnam-do for over 90 days and attend daycare centers in Gongju. Depending on facility type and a child's age, the subsidy ranges from KRW 250,000 to KRW 280,000 per month.

To receive this benefit, a child's parent or guardian must submit relevant documents like a foreign residence card or certificate of registration to the respective daycare center.

Gongju Mayor Choi Won Cheol said "I hope this helps ease the economic burden on foreign households and gives them the opportunity to grow together as members of our community."

hjkoh@korea.kr