Expansion of Free School Uniforms and Sportswear in Chungnam... Assemblywoman Shin Sun-ok Proposes Amendment Bill

Free School Uniform Support Expanded to Sportswear and Daily Wear
"For New Students... No Additional Budget Expected"

The free school uniform policy supported by the Chungnam Office of Education is expected to be expanded to include sportswear and daily wear.

On the 28th, according to the Chungnam Provincial Council, Assemblywoman Shin Sun-ok (People Power Party, proportional representation) recently took the lead in proposing the 'Partial Amendment to the Chungcheongnam-do School Uniform Support Ordinance.'

The amended ordinance includes expanding the free school uniform support items from the existing winter and summer uniforms to sportswear and daily wear. It also includes changing the support for middle school students' free uniforms, which are currently provided in kind, to cash support like that for high school students.

The Chungnam Office of Education has been promoting the free school uniform policy since 2019. Middle school students receive uniforms worth about 300,000 won in kind, while high school students receive cash.

However, as students' preference for sportswear and daily wear has increased, the burden on parents due to additional purchases has grown, leading to criticism that the purpose of the free school uniform policy is being undermined.

In a uniform-related survey conducted by the Chungnam Office of Education in April with 11,351 students, parents, and staff, 91% supported the expansion to sportswear, and there was a higher preference for cash support over in-kind support.

If the amended ordinance passes at the 352nd regular session to be held in June, it is expected to apply to new students starting in 2026.

Assemblywoman Shin said, "Recent surveys showed a strong preference for cash support and item expansion," adding, "If the ordinance passes, students' choices will be broadened."

She also said, "Since the support is targeted at new students, no special additional budget will be needed. However, due to procedural issues, it is expected to be applied from 2026."