Lee Yeon-woo is a financial journalist at The Korea Times. Her wide range of reporting includes policies, macroeconomics, stock market, companies and even crypto. She is passionate about connecting the dots in Korean finance and making it easier for foreign nationals to understand. Based on her previous experience as a national reporter, she also has a keen interest in social issues within the sector, including gender equality and ESG. Your tips and insights are always appreciated. You can send them to yanu@koreatimes.co.kr.
Hana Financial Group opens its 64th daycare center in Chilgok
Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo waters flowers with a child during the opening ceremony held at a daycare center the group established in Chilgok, North Gyeongsang Province, Friday. Courtesy of Hana Financial Group
By Lee Yeon-woo
By Lee Yeon-woo
Hana Financial Group has opened a daycare center in Chilgok, North Gyeongsang Province, in an effort to fulfill its corporate social responsibility, according to the group on Sunday.
An opening ceremony was held at the center last Friday with Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo and Chilgok County Governor Kim Jae-uk in attendance.
In 2018, the group set the goal of establishing 100 daycare centers to provide quality nurturing environments in local communities. To achieve this goal, the group has allocated 150 billion won ($111 million) for the project, in line with its environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) principles.
The daycare center, named Chilgok Waegwan Hana Daycare Center, marks the 64th establishment of its kind in a rural region by the group. This time, the center was established through a private-public partnership with Chilgok County.
The group expects that establishing 100 daycare centers by 2024 could provide child care benefits to approximately 10,000 children. The project is also expected to help address Korea's low birth rate problem and contribute to regional balance by creating 5,500 jobs, both directly and indirectly.
“I am proud that my promise to create a safe and joyful environment for children in Chilgok has borne fruit,” Ham said during the opening ceremony. “I am committed to overcoming the major crisis of a record-low birth rate and promoting regional balance by providing superior nurturing environments where they are needed most.”