Hourly daycare centers to be increased from 97 to 230 this year

The number of daycare centers with hourly nursery service where parents of infants or toddlers aged 0-4 can leave their kids for only required time will be considerably increased.

The Ministry of Health and Welfare announced on Sunday that it would increase the number of daycare centers, which offer an hour-based service to 230 within this year. To this end, the ministry plans to initiate a public bidding process for relevant centers and organizations.

According to the ministry, there would be two different types of hourly-daycare service, “basic type” and “working-couple type.” The former is targeted at full-time housewives who may have to go out without someone who can take care of their kids at home. Out of the service fee of 4,000 Korean won (approx. 3.8 U.S. dollars), the government will pay the half or 2,000 won (approx. 1.8 U.S. dollars) for up to 40 hours a month. On the other hand, the latter is aimed at mothers who rear their kids at home but have to work from time to time. They will have financial support of 3,000 won (approx. 2.8 dollars) for up to 80 hours a month. Using up all the time limit of monetary support, housewives of both types will have pay by themselves.

For those who wish to use the service, visit and register at iSarang (www.childcare.go.kr) first, and make a prior reservation to the center of choice via either online or landline (1661-9361).

turtle@donga.com