Prime Minister Han Seong-sook pledged on Saturday (October 24), "We will solidify the 'whole-neighborhood elementary childcare' system so that necessary care and educational programs can be sufficiently provided through organic cooperation among schools, local communities, and relevant government ministries."

Prime Minister Han made the remarks during a meeting held after inviting parents of elementary school students to the Prime Minister's official residence in Samcheong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, on Saturday.

Prime Minister Han told the parents, "The Prime Minister's Office will pay close attention and ensure that niche childcare services covering blind spots—such as nighttime, weekends, school vacations, and temporary or emergency situations—can be established more thoroughly."

She also emphasized, "I have felt deeply about the earnest wishes and difficulties experienced by dual-income families, multicultural families, and mothers with career interruptions," adding, "We will do our utmost to create a Republic of Korea where both children and parents are happy, and a reliable government where we raise our children together."

Participants at the meeting suggested that the supply of childcare services remains insufficient relative to demand, and that programs tailored to age-specific characteristics need to be expanded.

The Prime Minister's Office provided experiential learning programs, including block building, in a separate area within the official residence for the children of the attendees.

(Photo courtesy of the Prime Minister's Office, Yonhap News)