Seocho District Receives Presidential Citation for Population Policies Addressing Low Birth Rate and Aging Population

Achievements in Life-Cycle Support, Including the Fathers’ Parental Leave Incentive

Seocho District in Seoul (Mayor Jeon Seongsu) announced on July 12 that it received the Presidential Citation at the 15th Population Day Ceremony hosted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare on July 10. Seocho District was the only one among Seoul’s 25 autonomous districts to receive this citation.

Seocho District Mayor Seongsoo Jeon (third from the left), who received the Presidential Commendation at the Population Day ceremony, along with staff and officials, are posing for a commemorative photo. Provided by Seocho District.

This award is presented to individuals and organizations that have contributed to addressing low birth rates and population aging. Seocho District was recognized for improving the environment for childbirth and childcare by implementing life-cycle policies across marriage, pregnancy and childbirth, parenting and care, and work-family balance.

In the area of pregnancy and childbirth, Seocho District introduced a certification system for maternal and newborn health management services to ensure service quality. The district also operates a program that provides interest subsidies on jeonse and monthly rent deposit loans for newlyweds and young people. It simultaneously offers infertility prevention education and parenting education programs.

In the area of parenting and care, Seocho District runs programs such as Seocho Childcare Helpers, Grandparent Caregivers, and 119 Childcare Helpers. Through the Seocho Maternal and Child Health Center and the Seocho Child Development Center, the district manages infant and toddler health care and supports child development, while also providing support for shared childcare and childcare equipment rental.

Among its work-family balance policies, the “Fathers’ Parental Leave Incentive” stands out. This is a program that provides incentives to fathers who take parental leave for a certain period, and Seocho District explained that it is frequently cited as a benchmark by other local governments. The district also operates the Seocho Mom Healing Center and the Seocho Father Center. Additionally, it holds events such as the Family Accompaniment Competition, the Seocho Family Walking Festival, and the Gender Statistics Forum.

Mayor Jeon Seongsu stated, “This Presidential Citation is a valuable achievement made possible by the diverse policies and on-the-ground efforts to overcome the low birth rate. We will continue to promote policies that residents can truly feel throughout the entire process of marriage, pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting, making Seocho a place where children, parents, and all families are happy.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.