Naju City to Provide 2 Million Won 'First Meeting Voucher' for Babies Born from 2022

Published 02 Jan.2022 16:13(KST)

[Naju=Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kim Yukbong] Naju City, Jeollanam-do announced on the 2nd that starting from the new year of 2022, it will provide a 'First Meeting Voucher' worth 2 million KRW per newborn.

The target is newborns born after January 1 of this year. Once the birth is registered and a resident registration number is assigned, a lump sum of 2 million KRW will be equally provided to the guardian's National Happiness Card (voucher), regardless of birth order or multiple births.

The First Meeting Voucher is part of the 4th Basic Plan for Low Birthrate and Aging Society, focusing on investment in infancy, designed to reduce the economic burden of early child-rearing and strengthen national and social responsibility.

Applications can be made by visiting the administrative welfare center in the newborn's resident registration address (eup, myeon, dong) starting from the 3rd of this month. From the 5th, online applications are also possible through the Bokjiro and Government24 websites.

The city plans to start issuing the First Meeting Voucher from April 1. Existing cards can be used, or a new National Happiness Card can be issued at each financial institution.

The points can be used within one year from the date of birth, and unused points will automatically expire after the end date.

Card points can be used in all industries except entertainment and gambling businesses, massage, leisure and adult products, and duty-free shops (including online purchases).

Meanwhile, with the issuance of the First Meeting Voucher, the existing Jeollanam-do rural newborn childcare support project will be terminated. Newborns born until December 31, 2021, can receive childcare support.

A Naju City Health Center official said, "In 2022, it is expected that the economic burden on families giving birth will be reduced through the expansion of various vouchers and cash supports such as the First Meeting Voucher, childcare product expenses for large families, and infant and child allowances," adding, "We will continue to do our best to create and support a childbirth-friendly environment that is good for having and raising children."