Rising Turnover Among Childcare Teachers... Yongsan-gu Introduces New Long-term Service Allowance

by Kim Minjin

Published 08 Feb.2026 06:13(KST)

30,000 Won Per Month for Over 3 Years of Service...Benefits for 450 Staff Members

Starting this year, Yongsan-gu in Seoul (District Mayor Park Heeyoung) will introduce a new "Long-term Service Allowance for Childcare Teachers" to improve the treatment of childcare staff and create a more stable childcare environment. The purpose of this system is to encourage long-term service among childcare teachers, whose turnover rate has been rising, and thereby enhance the quality of childcare services.

Exterior view of Yongsan District Office. Provided by Yongsan District Office.

The long-term service allowance will be provided to childcare staff who have worked for at least three years at the same childcare center within the district. If they meet the requirements, they will receive 30,000 won per month throughout their period of employment. As of 2026, the number of expected recipients of the long-term service allowance at childcare centers in Yongsan-gu is about 450.

The district has determined that frequent turnover among childcare teachers can undermine the emotional stability of infants and young children and disrupt continuity of care. Accordingly, alongside the introduction of this new allowance, it is also providing support to ease the burden on childcare sites.

In addition to treatment improvement payments, welfare benefits, and transportation subsidies for childcare staff, the district is enhancing the stability of childcare center operations by supporting items such as heating and cooling costs, meal and snack expenses for infants and young children, and membership fees for the Childcare Center Safety Mutual Aid Association.

Park Heeyoung, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, said, "The working conditions and welfare level of childcare staff are directly linked to the quality of childcare services that children receive," adding, "We will create an environment where childcare teachers can work for a long time with pride, and make Yongsan a better place to raise children."