KOREAN NET

The Seoul Metropolitan Government from Nov. 1 will give pregnant women from multicultural families a one-time transportation subsidy worth KRW 700,000 (USD 488) in expanding eligibility for the benefit from Korean nationals only. (iclickart). *[Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of the above photo is strictly prohibited under copyright laws and regulations.]

Pregnant women from multicultural families living in Seoul from Nov. 1 will receive KRW 700,000 (USD 488) through a transportation subsidy.

The Seoul Metropolitan Government on Oct. 11 said such aid was exclusively for Korean  nationals through a voucher but will be expanded to cover those from multicultural families next month.

Those eligible include foreign pregnant women who have had an address in Seoul for more than six months.  

In July, the city started financial support for such women through points worth KRW 700,000 under a one-time subsidy.

Under an amendment to city regulations on support for childbirth and parenting, pregnant women from multicultural families from Nov. 1 will be added as beneficiaries.

With the revised ordinance, those eligible can still get the benefit retroactively as of July 1 even if they failed to register within three months of childbirth.

Application for the benefit can be done by visiting the program's official website (www.seoulmomcare.com) or going to a community service center. The required documents are confirmation of pregnancy, certification of foreign national registration and registration of residence.

Assistant Seoul Mayor Kim Sun Soon, who heads the city's Women and Family Policy Office, said, "The transportation subsidy for pregnant women has seen high on-site satisfaction with its benefit highly felt," adding, "We will ensure that such support continues without disruption."    

By Yoo Yeon Gyeong
dusrud21@korea.kr