The city of Seoul announced on the 20th that it will provide 7.2 million won in housing costs, 300,000 won per month for two years, to households without homes that have children. To overcome low birth rates, the plan is to invest 3.2 trillion won this year.
The city will provide 3,500 long-term lease dwellings (Mirilnae House) to newlywed couples at a lower price than the market rate this year, and 4,000 dwellings each year starting next year. Specialized rental dwellings for caregivers of children under 12 (Aisarang Home) will supply 580 units by 2029.
A meeting program available to participants up to the age of 45 will be offered four times a year. Newlywed couples who registered their marriage after January 1 this year will receive 1 million won for wedding expenses. A shopping mall (Birth Support Mall) where parenting supplies such as diapers and formula can be purchased at up to 50% discounts will be unveiled soon. Hourly specialized daycare centers for children will operate in 25 autonomous districts this year.
The city will pay a monthly allowance of 200,000 won for six months to small businesses seeking replacement workers for parental leave. Employees substituting for those on parental leave will receive a monthly allowance of 100,000 won for one year. Those not covered by employment insurance, such as solo entrepreneurs and freelancers, will also be eligible to receive maternity benefits starting in March.
According to the Statistics Korea, the number of marriages and birth rates in Seoul increased by 24.1% and 8.4%, respectively, from April to October last year, compared to the same period of the previous year. Kim Seon-soon, head of the Seoul Women's and Family Affairs Department, noted, "We will continue the momentum to rebound from low birth rates."