Jeongeup-si Provides 2 Million Won 'First Meeting Voucher' to Families with Newborns

Published 28 Dec.2021 13:41(KST)

[Jeongeup=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Jaegil] Jeongeup City, Jeonbuk Province, will implement the First Meeting Voucher support project starting next year, providing a voucher worth 2 million KRW per newborn.

According to the city on the 28th, this project is being carried out to strengthen social responsibility for child-rearing, reduce the initial childcare burden on families giving birth, overcome the low birthrate phenomenon, and create a city that is good for having and raising children.

A total budget of 744 million KRW will be invested in the First Meeting Voucher support project next year.

The payment targets are children born on or after January 1 next year, who have been registered and assigned a resident registration number.

Regardless of birth order, 2 million KRW (lump sum) points will be provided per newborn.

The points will be paid to the National Happiness Card of the newborn’s guardian, and can be received through an existing card or by issuing a new National Happiness Card.

Applications can be made by the child’s legal guardian, custodian, guardian, or a proxy of the guardian (relatives, or a social welfare officer in charge for children in child welfare facilities) who is actually protecting the child.

Applications can be submitted by visiting the town, township, or neighborhood community service center at the child’s registered address, or online via the Bokjiro or Government24 websites.

In-person applications at community service centers will be accepted starting January 3 next year, online applications via Bokjiro from January 5, and Government24 applications from January 7, allowing for advance applications.

The usage period is one year from the child’s birth date, and any unused points will automatically expire after the usage period ends.

The provided points can be used in all business sectors except those classified as entertainment and gambling industries, hygiene businesses such as massage (excluding hair and beauty salons), leisure businesses (video rooms, karaoke rooms, etc.), duty-free shops, and other sectors outside the intended purpose of the payment.

A city official said, “We hope this project will help reduce the economic burden of child-rearing in the early stages of life,” adding, “We will continue to strive to prepare various policies for a stable and systematic childcare environment.”