Yongsan-gu Our Neighborhood Kiwoom Center Branch 5 Opens... Expanding to 8 Locations by Year-End

A New Kiwoom Center Branch 5 Opens in Wonhyo-ro 2-dong... Three More Locations Added in Hangang-ro, Seobinggo, and Itaewon 2-dong by Year-End

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Yongsan-gu (District Mayor Seong Jang-hyun) opened the 5th branch of the ‘Our Neighborhood Care Center’ on the 27th to expand universal childcare services.

The location is Wonhyo-ro 2-ga (39 Hyochangwon-ro, 2nd floor). It has an area of 98.78㎡ and includes an activity room, study room, office, and pantry. Four staff members, including the center director, care teachers, and care coordinators, take care of up to 20 children.

The service is available to children aged 6 to 12 who are registered residents in the area or attending elementary school.

Operating hours are from 12 PM to 8 PM during the school term and extended from 8 AM to 8 PM during vacations. Hourly temporary care outside of regular care hours is also available.

According to the children’s needs, the district plans to offer a variety of play and learning programs such as Kids Zumba, Kids Yoga, play math, art activities, and movie watching.

The opening ceremony was held at 4 PM on the same day. About 30 people attended, including District Mayor Seong Jang-hyun, Center Director Jo Hye-eun, parents, and related officials. The 30-minute event included guest introductions, progress reports, congratulatory speeches, facility introductions, and a plaque unveiling ceremony.

‘Our Neighborhood Care Center’ refers to facilities established and operated by city, county, or district mayors to provide care services to elementary school students outside regular school hours, according to Article 44-2 of the Child Welfare Act (Together Care Centers).

It provides universal and continuous services to elementary school students in need of care regardless of parental income level. The fee is about 50,000 KRW per month, including snack and activity costs.

Last year, the district simultaneously opened the 1st to 4th branches of the Care Center in four locations: Wonhyo 1-dong (25 Wonhyo-ro 64-gil), Ichon 2-dong (75 Ichon-ro 2-ga-gil), Hannam-dong (7 Itaewon-ro 36-gil), and Hyochang-dong (160 Hyochangwon-ro).

The establishment of the 5th branch began at the end of last year. After city space selection review and private building lease contracts, asbestos removal and remodeling work have been ongoing since February this year. Contract workers including the center director were hired in May, and children were recruited this month for pilot operation.

By the end of the year, the district plans to add three more centers. The 6th to 8th branches are being installed respectively in Hangangno-dong (63-70 Hangang-ro 3-ga), Seobinggo-dong (279 Seobinggo-ro), and Itaewon 2-dong (37 Noksapyeong-daero 40na-gil).

Residents who wish to use the center can apply through the ‘Seoul Our Neighborhood Care Portal’. On-site visits and phone applications are also possible.

Yongsan District Mayor Seong Jang-hyun said, “We will increase the number of Care Centers to eight by the end of the year to eliminate blind spots in elementary school childcare,” adding, “This will greatly reduce the childcare burden for working parents.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.