Taean, South Korea – Taean County in South Chungcheong Province is set to launch its ambitious "Dream for Children" project later this year, offering significant financial support to families with children. The program is designed to address the declining birthrate and boost the local population.

The centerpiece of the project is the "Taean Dream for Children Allowance," which will provide a monthly voucher worth 200,000 won to families with children aged 3 to 11. Over eight years, this could amount to a total of 21.6 million won in support.

In addition to this allowance, the county will also offer various incentives, including marriage subsidies, postpartum care expenses, and childbirth incentives, bringing the total support for families with children to approximately 29 million won.

Other benefits under the "Dream for Children" project include subsidies for childcare snacks and meals, AI-powered child growth programs, postpartum care assistance, and housing support for newlyweds.

Delayed Implementation

While the project was initially scheduled to begin earlier this year, it has been delayed due to a disagreement with the county council over the age range of beneficiaries. The council proposed extending the benefits to children up to 18 years old, which would significantly increase the cost and number of recipients.

Taean County officials have expressed concerns about the financial implications of expanding the program, noting that the increased costs could strain the local budget. They have pledged to work closely with the council to find a solution that ensures the program's sustainability.

Addressing the Declining Birthrate

"The 'Dream for Children' project is a proactive measure to address the declining birthrate and population decline in our region," said [Name], a county official. "By providing comprehensive support to families with children, we aim to create a more child-friendly environment and encourage more couples to start families."

The county plans to actively promote the project and gather feedback from beneficiaries to ensure its effectiveness. Officials also indicated that they are considering additional measures to further enhance the program and support families.