Gwanak District to Provide "Childcare Coupons" to Households Raising Children Under Age 7

Childcare Coupons to Be Distributed
Supporting Families Raising Children and Revitalizing the Local Economy
No Separate Application Needed for Eligible Children Under Age Seven as of March 2020

[Asia Economy, reporter Park Jongil] Gwanak District (District Mayor Park Junhee) will distribute "Childcare Coupons" to revitalize the local economy, which has been depressed due to the spread of COVID-19, and to ease the financial burden on households raising children.

The "Childcare Coupon" will be provided to approximately 16,000 children under the age of seven who, as of March 2020, are eligible for the child allowance. Each child will receive an electronic voucher (Childcare Points) worth 400,000 KRW.

The electronic voucher will be credited as points to the iHaengbok Card or Kookmin Haengbok Card held by the child's guardian. The process is contactless, involving notification via text message (LMS) and personal consent, so there is no need to visit the local community center in person.

Guardians wishing to change their card can apply online (through the Bokjiro website) or at the local community center by April 10. Guardians who do not have a card can apply for a gift card online (through the Bokjiro website) or at the local community center, and the card will be delivered to the address provided at the time of application.

The card points are scheduled to be distributed in mid-April and can be freely used within Seoul. However, in line with the goal of revitalizing the local economy, usage will be restricted at large supermarkets, department stores, and entertainment venues.

District Mayor Park Junhee stated, "I hope this measure will provide some help to families raising children and to the revitalization of the local economy, both of which are struggling due to the prolonged COVID-19 situation," and added, "We will do our utmost to ensure that this difficult period caused by COVID-19 ends as soon as possible."

For more detailed information regarding the "Childcare Coupon," please contact the Health and Welfare Counseling Center (120) or the relevant local community center.