Seongbuk-gu Middle and High School New Students Receive 300,000 Won Each as 'Entrance Preparation Fund'

Financial Support Provided to Approximately 6,370 Middle and High School Entrants... Selective Purchase of Clothing (Uniforms, etc.) or Smart Devices Based on Needs

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seongbuk-gu (Mayor Lee Seung-ro) will provide 300,000 KRW as entrance preparation funds to all new students entering middle and high schools in Seongbuk-gu starting this year to strengthen the public nature of education and realize education welfare without discrimination.

As a result, about 6,370 new students at 32 middle and high schools in the area will benefit.

The entrance preparation fund is a project implemented since 2021 through cooperation among Seoul City, Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education, and 25 autonomous districts of Seoul. It provides Zero Pay mobile gift certificates to new students entering middle and high schools in Seoul, allowing them to autonomously purchase necessary items for school entrance preparation (such as uniforms and clothing, smart devices).

This system is a step above the free uniform policy that supports uniform costs in some areas. Students can freely choose and purchase not only uniforms but also clothing needed for attending school or smart devices (tablet PCs) required for remote classes, which have become routine due to the spread of COVID-19, thus receiving broader support.

The entrance preparation fund is expected to reduce the economic burden on parents with children entering school amid the prolonged COVID-19 difficulties, and by utilizing the Zero Pay points payment method, which is a payment method for small business stores in Seoul, it is also expected to contribute to stimulating the local economy.

A parent in Seongbuk-gu who heard the news of the entrance preparation fund said, "My child is entering middle school this year, and preparing for entrance during these difficult times is a big burden," adding, "I was planning to purchase a smart device for remote and online classes, but the support fund has eased some of my worries."

To apply, submit the entrance preparation fund application form to the assigned school. For application periods and other detailed information by school, contact the school of admission or the Seongbuk-Gangbuk Education Support Office call center.

Lee Seung-ro, Mayor of Seongbuk-gu, said, "All students have the right to receive education without discrimination," and added, "We expect the entrance preparation fund to help reduce educational expenses for parents, and we will continue to strive to create a universal education welfare environment so that students in Seongbuk-gu can enjoy equal educational benefits without blind spots."

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