Providing educational benefits to students with median income below 50% under the National Basic Livelihood Security Act
Conducting health examinations every 3 years for elementary to high school students under the School Health Act
Educational benefits of up to 720,000 KRW are provided to elementary, middle, and high school students from low-income families under the National Basic Livelihood Security Act. According to the School Health Act, students receive health checkups every three years from the year they enter elementary school until they graduate from high school.
On the 18th, the Ministry of Government Legislation (Minister Lee Wankyu) introduced these laws and other regulations that parents should be aware of for the new school semester.
Education Benefits and Tuition Support… Educational Activity Support Funds: 460,000 KRW per year for Elementary, 650,000 KRW per year for Middle, 720,000 KRW per year for High School Students
First, educational benefits are provided to households facing economic difficulties. According to Article 12 of the National Basic Livelihood Security Act, educational benefits are given to elementary, middle, and high school students in households whose recognized income is 50% or less of the median income.
Educational benefits consist of educational activity support funds provided in the form of vouchers and payments for textbooks, entrance fees, and tuition fees for high school students. The educational activity support funds are provided at different rates: 461,000 KRW per year for elementary students, 654,000 KRW per year for middle school students, and 727,000 KRW per year for high school students.
Those who wish to apply for educational benefits for the first time can visit the Community Service Center or apply through the Bokjiro website.
Additionally, under Article 60-4 of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, the state and local governments may support students with entrance fees, tuition fees, and meal costs. According to this provision, students meeting certain income criteria can receive support for internet communication fees, after-school free course vouchers, and more.
The specific eligibility and scope of support vary by metropolitan and provincial offices of education, and detailed information can be found on the Education Expense One-Click Application System.
Elementary Students Receive Health Checkups in 1st and 4th Grades; Middle and High School Students in 1st Grade
From the year a child enters elementary school, they receive a national health checkup every three years.
Article 7 of the School Health Act stipulates that school principals must conduct health checkups for students and specifies the timing. Elementary students receive health checkups in 1st and 4th grades, while middle and high school students receive them in 1st grade.
The health checkup includes assessments of physical development such as height, weight, and obesity, as well as health screenings for eye diseases, ear diseases, oral and dental conditions, and mental health evaluations.
Designation of Green Food Zones for Children… Management of Food Preparation and Sales Establishments for Children's Preferred Foods
According to Article 5 of the Special Act on the Safety Management of Children's Dietary Life, mayors, county governors, and district heads can designate a "Green Food Zone" within 200 meters from school boundaries to create a safe and hygienic food sales environment to protect children.
When designated as a Green Food Zone, signs must be installed near school main and back gates, commonly used commuting routes by students, and near stores frequently visited by students.
Food preparation and sales establishments selling children's preferred foods such as bread, snacks, and hamburgers within the Green Food Zone are subject to supervision by dedicated managers who check and guide the safe preparation and sale of food.
Furthermore, establishments that sell food hygienically within the Green Food Zone are designated as "Excellent Sellers of Children's Preferred Foods" and display related logos so that anyone can recognize them.
Information on 12,000 Schools Available on the 'School Alimi' Website
If you are entering middle or high school or transferring to another region, you can check information about schools of interest on the 'School Alimi' website.
According to Article 5 of the Special Act on Disclosure of Information by Educational Institutions, principals of schools providing elementary and secondary education must disclose information such as the number of students, school regulations, school facilities, and teacher status at least once a year.
Based on this law, detailed information on students, teachers, facilities, and educational environments of over 12,000 schools nationwide can be found on the School Alimi website.
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