Apologies for the lengthy absence of posting.
I can’t say that my posts will return with any frequency, but when I do blog, it will be noteworthy.
Korea has a very low birth rate and the government is eager to encourage population growth. As result, there are various monetary incentives to promote larger families. For example, since the birth of our second child we have been receiving 100,000W (approx. $100 USD) per month (child must be a Korean national~our son has dual citizenship).
There is daycare dough for multicultural families (one parent is a Korean national, other parent is a foreigner who resided overseas for over 15 years) for each preschool age child at 300,000W (approx. $300 USD) per month. The reimbursements (money is directly deposited into parental bank account) began in 2011 and registration must be completed at your local Resident Center (주민센터), ask about 다문화가족유아이 (da moon hwa ga jok yoo ai/multicultural family baby). Once you are registered, the monthly 100 is replaced by 300, but it’s basically free daycare versus grocery money.
Now we get daycare dough for the first-born and the baby starts this spring!
December 15, 2011 at 3:47 pm
I’m so jealous. We are looking into daycare up most cost closer to $800/month. Korea sounds more supportive. We may just go with a local babysitter.
I get the impression that Korea celebrates children more openly than he US. Is this true?
December 18, 2011 at 9:44 pm
The Korean government celebrates babies being added to the general population but Korean drivers don’t extend any courtesy to strollers. We’ve had so many near accidents ~ in crosswalks and even on the sidewalk.
Good luck with your daycare search. I hope you find the right situation for you and yours.