Incheon Metropolitan City is expanding its free childcare program to include all 4-year-olds starting this month, effectively reducing out-of-pocket daycare costs to zero for parents of eligible children.
The city announced on the 10th that it had adjusted childcare fee limits and expanded free childcare support following a review by the Regional Childcare Policy Committee.
Previously, the city covered necessary expenses only for children aged 0-4 from legally designated low-income households and all 5-year-olds. Starting this year, all 4-year-olds will receive 70,000 won per month in support. The program will benefit approximately 11,700 children, an increase of 5,300 from the previous year, with a budget of 11.5 billion won.
The scope of covered expenses has also been broadened. Previously, 5-year-olds received support for six expense categories excluding meal fees, while low-income children aged 0-4 received support for five categories excluding enrollment preparation fees and meal fees. From this year, all expense categories are covered.
Parent-paid childcare fees for children aged 3-5 have also increased—by 4,000 won (2.9%) for 3-year-olds and 4,000 won (3.3%) for 4-5-year-olds. However, the city will cover the full amount, leaving no additional burden on parents. Incheon's childcare fee limit is now the highest among metropolitan cities and second only to Seoul in the capital region.
The limit on necessary expenses rose 4% (9,500 won) from last year. This includes increases of 3,000 won for special activity fees, 2,000 won each for field trip fees, parent-funded event fees, and transportation fees, and 500 won per meal for morning and evening meals.
Support for foreign children will also expand. Monthly childcare subsidies for foreign children aged 3-5 attending daycare centers will increase from 200,000 won to 280,000 won.
"We will enhance the public nature of childcare to ease the burden on parents while also strengthening operational stability for childcare facilities," said Kim Kyung-sun, Director of the Women and Family Bureau.
