On the 27th, KBS News reported that the Seoul Metropolitan Council of District Mayors and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education have tentatively decided to provide an 'Entrance Preparation Support Fund' to all new middle and high school students in Seoul starting next year. Photo by KBS News.
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bong-ju] Starting next year, for the first time nationwide, all new middle and high school students in Seoul will receive an "admission preparation support fund" of 300,000 KRW regardless of income.
According to a KBS News report on the 27th, the Seoul District Mayors' Council and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education have tentatively decided to provide the "admission preparation support fund" from next year to reduce the burden on parents whose children are starting a new school semester.
The support fund will be given to students residing in Seoul who enter the first grade of middle schools, high schools, or special schools with middle and high school courses in the Seoul area. The amount has been set at 300,000 KRW for now, but it is reported that it may vary each year depending on the price of target items.
The admission preparation fund can be used to purchase clothing such as school uniforms and gym uniforms, study books, and, with the expansion of remote education, smart devices like tablet PCs.
On the 27th, KBS News reported that the Seoul District Mayors' Council and the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education have tentatively decided to provide an 'Entrance Preparation Support Fund' to all new middle and high school students in Seoul starting next year. Photo by KBS News.
However, since the usage is restricted, it is highly likely that the payment will be made by charging 'Zero Pay,' a payment method used at small business stores.
Seongdong-gu and Gwanak-gu recently announced ordinances to be implemented on January 1st next year, and Seoul City, which had been struggling with budget shortages, stated that if the education office adjusts other budgets, it can share the costs, making implementation possible in all 25 autonomous districts.
Seoul City, the autonomous districts, and the education office plan to finalize the cost-sharing ratio soon and make an official announcement.
After going through the review and approval process of the Seoul Metropolitan Council and the government's Social Security Committee, the payment of the admission preparation fund for next year will be confirmed.
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