Iksan City to Minimize Gaps in Child Care and Medical Services During Chuseok Holiday

24-Hour Child Care Services Operated
Hourly Child Care and Additional Support Measures

Iksan City in North Jeolla Province is implementing an integrated care and medical response plan to ensure there are no gaps in child care and emergency medical services during the extended holiday period.

According to the city on October 1, this year's Chuseok holiday will be extended to up to 10 days, as it overlaps with National Foundation Day (October 3), a substitute holiday (October 8), Hangeul Day (October 9), and discretionary holidays at some schools (October 10).

Care Service Provider Information Poster. Provided by Iksan City

While many look forward to the holidays, concerns are growing among families and guardians about potential gaps in child care and limited access to medical services. The city has prepared various support measures to address these concerns.

For dual-income families or those facing emergencies, the city will operate an emergency child care support service 24 hours a day. This service targets children from 3 months up to 12 years old, with caregivers visiting homes to provide direct child-rearing support.

This service will be available during the holiday period from October 3 to 9. After completing pre-registration and eligibility screening through the Bokjiro website or local administrative welfare centers, families can use the service.

In addition, the city will continue to provide the institution-based "hourly child care service" for infants and toddlers from 6 months old up to preschool age. The Childcare Support Center will operate holiday care throughout the holiday period except for Chuseok Day (October 6), and applications can be made through the Naver reservation system.

Furthermore, Iksan Dingdongdaeng Daycare Center will operate the Jeonbuk-type SOS Care Center on October 3-4 and 8-9, while Iksan Daycare Center will provide holiday care throughout the holiday period through the Hanadolbom 365 project. On October 4, the city will operate the "Jeonbuk Special Care Center" at Dongsan and Pureun Classroom Community Child Centers, providing a safe care space from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

On October 10, as most schools have designated a discretionary holiday, community child centers will offer alternative care services from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for children who use the Neulbom School program and others.

From October 3 to 9, the city will designate and operate 240 local hospitals and clinics, including the public health center, as on-duty medical institutions. In addition, 127 holiday-duty pharmacies will operate as usual, and emergency patients can receive care 24 hours a day at Wonkwang University Hospital and Iksan Hospital under an emergency medical system.

Additionally, Susarang Hospital and Iksan Jeil Hospital will provide night-time medical services until 10 p.m., and pediatric services will be available at the Wonkwang University Regional Emergency Medical Center from 10 a.m. to midnight.

Information on the operation of medical institutions and pharmacies can be checked in real time through the city hall and public health center websites, as well as the Emergency Medical Information app. Telephone guidance is also available through the Health and Welfare Call Center, Emergency Situation Management Center, and Iksan City Public Health Center.

Mayor Jung Heon-yul stated, "While the unusually long holiday is a welcome break for many, it can also be a source of concern for some. We will focus on implementing effective, field-oriented measures to prevent any gaps in care and medical services."