Multi-Child Merit Allowance Achieves Dual Goals: Uljin County Eases Parenting Burden and Revitalizes Local Economy

Support for Over 1,000 Families Each Month, 466.9 Million Won Distributed
Reduced Childcare Burden and Revitalized Local Economy

Uljin County in North Gyeongsang Province (Governor Son Byungbok) is seeing clear results from its "Multi-Child Merit Allowance," a program implemented to promote sustainable regional development and create a child-friendly environment. The initiative is helping to ease the financial burden on families raising children and is revitalizing the local economy.

The "Multi-Child Merit Allowance" is a core population policy introduced by Uljin County this year, aiming to address low birth rates and foster a family-friendly community.

Son Byungbok, Uljin County Governor, is smiling brightly with the children of Jukbyeon Daycare Center. Photo by Uljin County

The allowance is available to families with two or more children aged between 1 and 12. The first child receives 50,000 won per month, while each additional child receives 100,000 won per month, all provided in the form of local currency.

Since the first payments began in August this year, approximately 1,066 families have benefited each month, with a total of 466.9 million won distributed to date. Of this, about 370 million won has been spent within the local community, demonstrating not only a tangible reduction in childcare expenses but also a positive impact on local businesses.

The main areas of expenditure were: ▲ supermarkets and grocery stores (144 million won, 39%), ▲ restaurants (98 million won, 27%), ▲ arts, sports, and educational facilities (42 million won, 11.4%), and ▲ clothing and beauty salons (25 million won, 6.8%), highlighting a focus on everyday living expenses.

By providing the allowance in local currency, Uljin County is stimulating local consumption and fostering a virtuous cycle in the regional economy.

In particular, by recognizing multi-child families as "meritorious contributors," this symbolic policy is spreading the perception that having and raising children is not just a personal responsibility but a contribution to the community as a whole.

Governor Son Byungbok stated, "We will continue to create an environment where multi-child families are respected and raising children becomes a source of pride in our community," adding, "We will pursue various birth and childcare-friendly policies so that parenting can directly contribute to the growth of our community."

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