Inje County to Triple Postpartum Care Subsidy Limit to 1.5 Million Won Starting Next Year

Applicable to Children Born on or After January 1, 2027

Actual Costs Reimbursed for Postpartum Care Centers and Recovery Services

Inje County in Gangwon Province will increase the maximum postpartum care subsidy from the current 500,000 won to up to 1.5 million won starting next year. This move aims to ease the financial burden of childbirth for families, amid rising postpartum care costs.

A view of Inje County Office.

On October 5, Inje County announced that, effective for children born on or after January 1, 2027, mothers will be eligible to receive reimbursement for postpartum care expenses of up to 1.5 million won per person.

The county has carried out analysis of current postpartum care conditions, records of local subsidy support, and the status of support in other cities and counties within the province. It has also consulted with the Ministry of Health and Welfare to discuss changes to the social security system. A survey conducted last year on satisfaction with pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare support indicated that the existing subsidy was insufficient to reduce the actual financial burden of postpartum care.

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's 2024 survey on postpartum care, the utilization rate of postpartum care centers was 85.5%, with the average cost reaching 2,865,000 won. In Inje County, the utilization rate for postpartum care centers among subsidy recipients was 91% in 2024 and 93% last year.

The subsidy is not limited to postpartum care center fees; it may also be used for postpartum massage, yoga and Pilates class fees, postpartum depression screening and treatment costs, as well as for the purchase of products necessary for postpartum recovery such as pelvic correction devices, lower back and wrist braces, and hot packs.

Eligibility is restricted to households in which both parents have been registered residents of Inje County and have lived there continuously for at least six months as of the newborn’s birth date.

Mothers or guardians must apply within six months of childbirth, either by visiting the Maternal and Child Health Team at Inje County Health Center, through the Government24 portal, or by registered mail. Supporting documents to verify expenditures and their purposes must be submitted, and reimbursement will be granted within the actual amount spent.

As of September 30, the county has identified a total of 108 mothers expected to give birth next year.

Lee Myeongja, Director of Health Promotion at Inje County Health Center, stated, "By expanding the subsidy cap to up to 1.5 million won, we aim to reduce the financial burden on families and provide practical support for creating an environment where it is easier to have and raise children. We will ensure the program is implemented without any setbacks."

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