Gwanak-gu Draws Attention by Joining Forces with Local Community to Overcome Low Birthrate

From March 1, Birth Celebration Money Doubled Up to 2 Million Won...2021 Newborns Eligible for First Life Account Opening Saemaeul Geumgo Celebration Money and Free Photo Voucher for Expectant Mothers and 50-Day-Old Babies

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gwanak-gu (Mayor Park Junhee) is gaining attention for implementing various low birthrate overcoming projects to address the low birthrate issue and strengthen social responsibility for child-rearing burdens.

First, the district started revising ordinances last year to alleviate the economic burden of childbirth and child-rearing and to create a birth-friendly environment, changing the existing childbirth congratulatory money to birth congratulatory money and significantly increasing the support amount.

Through this, babies born on or after March 1 will receive about twice the previous support amount. The revised support amounts are 200,000 KRW for the first child (up from 100,000 KRW), 400,000 KRW for the second child (up from 200,000 KRW), 500,000 KRW for the third child (up from 300,000 KRW), 1,000,000 KRW for the fourth child (up from 500,000 KRW), and 2,000,000 KRW for the fifth child or more (up from 1,000,000 KRW).

The birth congratulatory support project in cooperation with the local community is also notable.

On January 27, the district announced that starting with a business agreement between Gwanak Saemaeul Geumgo and Cheongnim-dong Community Service Center, the birth congratulatory first bankbook issuance support project has begun at four Saemaeul Geumgo locations in the area.

The participating Geumgo locations are Gwanak Saemaeul Geumgo (Cheongnim-dong), Gwanak Jungang Saemaeul Geumgo (Cheongnyong-dong), Nangok Saemaeul Geumgo (Nangok-dong, Miseong-dong, Jowon-dong), and Nakseongdae Saemaeul Geumgo (Nakseongdae-dong, Inheon-dong). For babies born on or after January 1, 2021, who have completed birth registration in the respective districts, a birth congratulatory amount of 50,000 to 200,000 KRW is supported upon opening their first bankbook.

Applications can be made by visiting the Saemaeul Geumgo in the resident’s district and opening a birth congratulatory bankbook in the newborn’s name. For other required documents and detailed information, inquiries can be made to the respective Saemaeul Geumgo.

Additionally, since 2014, the district has partnered with ‘Agatos Baby Studio’ to provide free photo shooting vouchers for babies at 50 days old. Starting this year, the free shooting target has been expanded to expectant mothers, providing precious and memorable photos to families with newborns. Free shooting vouchers can be applied for at the community service center of the resident’s jurisdiction.

Mayor Park Junhee said, “It is very meaningful that the public and private sectors are working together to think about and solve the serious low birthrate situation,” and added, “We will continue to strive to create a birth and child-rearing friendly environment in Gwanak-gu so that children born in each family grow up healthily and parents can raise their children with peace of mind.”

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