Seoul, South Korea – Hanwha Galleria, a leading retail conglomerate in South Korea, has announced a significant new benefit for its employees: a 10 million won (approximately US$7,500) childcare support fund for each child born. This initiative is part of the company's broader "employee companionship project" aimed at fostering a better work-life balance for its staff.

Effective January 2025, the fund will be available to all employees in Hanwha's retail and service sectors, including subsidiaries like Hanwha Foodtech and Aquaplanet. The company will provide the same amount for each subsequent child, with twins qualifying for a 20 million won grant.

"This isn't just about congratulating new parents," said Kim Dong-sun, Vice President of Hanwha Galleria, who oversees the future vision of the company. "It's about sharing the burden of childcare with our employees. Many of our employees, especially dual-income families, have expressed significant challenges in balancing work and family."

By introducing this generous support, Hanwha aims to not only improve employee satisfaction but also boost productivity. This move aligns with South Korea's government initiatives to encourage companies to provide more support for families with children.

"A stable work-life balance is essential for building a sustainable society," said a spokesperson for Hanwha Galleria. "Through various employee companionship projects, we aim to improve the quality of life for our employees and contribute to a better society."

Beyond this childcare initiative, Hanwha's retail and service sectors have been actively involved in various social contribution projects, such as supporting families with critically ill children and organizing community service events. The company is also focused on improving customer convenience and enhancing synergy between different business units.