Seoul to offer free education for 3-year-olds from September with $1.17B budget

Seoul is set to expand its free education and childcare program to include 3-year-olds, potentially beginning this September, following the submission of a 1.1711 trillion won supplementary budget proposal to the Seoul Metropolitan Council. This move aligns with the national government's phased expansion of universal early childhood education.

The proposed budget earmarks 11.1 billion won specifically for the free education and childcare initiative for 3-year-olds, which would benefit approximately 35,000 children attending public and private kindergartens and daycare centers. This initiative builds upon the government's existing support, which already covers 4- and 5-year-olds, and aims to relieve financial burdens on parents.

A significant portion of the supplementary budget, 625.4 billion won, is dedicated to school facility improvements and safety enhancements. This includes a major overhaul of aging restrooms in 230 schools, costing 214.2 billion won. An additional 329 billion won will fund upgrades to heating and cooling systems, windows, and electrical infrastructure, as well as seismic reinforcement, to create safer and more comfortable learning environments. Funds are also allocated for modernizing school cafeterias and kitchen equipment.

Further investments include 20.8 billion won for immediate repairs of minor safety hazards within schools and 4.5 billion won to comply with the mandatory installation of closed-circuit television (CCTV) systems in school entrances, corridors, and stairwells. The budget also supports field trip programs, the provision of electronic whiteboards in classrooms, and legal and psychological support for teachers facing issues related to student conduct and rights. Seoul Superintendent of Education Jung Geun-sik stated the budget prioritizes student well-being and prepares for future AI-driven education.

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This supplementary budget prioritizes resolving students' daily inconveniences while strengthening basic education and preparing for future AI education.