Haenam, often referred to as “the Land’s End Village” by South Koreans, is located at the southernmost tip of the country. It is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, numerous tourist attractions, and a rich variety of local cuisine and recreational activities. The photo captures a private garden in Haenam. (Yonhap)
HAENAM, South Korea, Feb. 8 (Korea Bizwire) — Haenam County in South Jeolla Province has introduced an expanded financial support system for newborns, ensuring that a child born in 2025 will receive up to 91.56 million KRW ($63,100) in government assistance by the time they turn 18.
According to Haenam County officials on February 7, the new policy strengthens the region’s birth, childcare, and education support framework to encourage higher birth rates and ease the financial burden on families.
Comprehensive Financial Assistance from Birth to Adulthood
At birth, parents receive a First Encounter Voucher, providing 2 million KRW ($1,380) for the first child and 3 million KRW ($2,070) for the second and subsequent children via the National Happiness Card, which can be used for essential childcare expenses.
Additionally, newborn care allowances are disbursed over 24 months, with parents receiving 3.2 million KRW ($2,200) for a first child, 3.7 million KRW ($2,550) for a second child, 6.2 million KRW ($4,270) for a third, and 7.4 million KRW ($5,090) for a fourth or more.
Families also receive a monthly diaper allowance of 90,000 KRW ($62) for up to 24 months, totaling 2.16 million KRW ($1,490), regardless of income level.
For home-based childcare, parents of infants aged 0 to 1 year receive 1.2 million KRW ($830) per month, while those with 1- to 2-year-olds receive 600,000 KRW ($415) per month—amounting to 18 million KRW ($12,400) over two years.
From ages 2 to 7, children receive a monthly home care allowance of 100,000 KRW ($69), providing additional financial relief for families opting for home-based childcare instead of daycare.
Haenam, often referred to as “the Land’s End Village” by South Koreans, is located at the southernmost tip of the country. Known for its breathtaking landscapes, the region boasts numerous tourist attractions and a rich variety of local cuisine and activities. The photo showcases the snow-covered scenery of Duryunsan Mountain in Haenam. (Yonhap)
Long-Term Educational and Child Benefits
From age 1, Haenam County grants an additional birth allowance from Jeollanam-do Province, disbursing 200,000 KRW ($140) per month until the child turns 18—totaling 43.2 million KRW ($29,800).
Further benefits include a monthly child allowance of 100,000 KRW ($69) until age 7, and from ages 8 to 13, the Jeollanam-do Office of Education provides a monthly student education allowance of 100,000 KRW ($69).
Addressing South Korea’s Low Birthrate Crisis
Haenam County Mayor Myeong Hyun-kwan emphasized the urgency of countering South Korea’s declining birthrate, stating, “We are strengthening policies to make Haenam a place where families feel encouraged to have and raise children. This initiative is part of our active response to the population decline crisis.”
With one of the most comprehensive birth incentives in the nation, Haenam aims to position itself as a model for sustainable population growth strategies in South Korea.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
