By Kim Se-jeong
A growing number of couples expecting babies are changing their addresses to receive a bigger subsidy from local governments, sources said Tuesday.
This happens because the subsidy for having a baby varies between local governments and local governments tighten the application process to prevent parents taking advantage of loopholes in eligibility.
An official at the Gangnam District Office in Seoul told The Korea Times that he saw couples have moved into the district recently because of the subsidy available.
The subsidies differs in amount, but can reach tens of millions of won. The local government in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, gives 300,000 won ($277) to parents for their third baby, while Hoengseong in the same province gives 7.2 million won ($6,650).
In North Gyeongsang Province, the government of Euiseong gives 12.5 million won for a third baby, while Gumi gives only 1 million won.
In Seoul, Gangnam gives 1 million won for a third child, while Gwangjin gives 300,000 won.
The subsidies for additional babies were introduced as part of efforts to boost the low birthrate in Korea. Recent statistics say that Korean women bear an average of 1.21 babies.
The most common measure adopted by local governments to screen mothers is to require them to submit proof that they have lived for at least one year in the district.
Yoon Da-jeong, 37, a Daegu resident who had her second baby in January, said the idea of moving for a bigger subsidy does not sound worthwhile. She received 200,000 won on the birth of her second baby. “Changing your address means you plan when to get pregnant, but it is not something you can always do.”
She also said the subsidy amount is insufficient to motivate couples to have more babies. “The amount is far from being enough to cover medical expenses I have to pay to give birth.” She also said giving money will not solve the problem of low birthrate.
The central government also has a monthly subsidy for newborn babies. It offers money for each baby born, who is raised at home rather than being sent to a daycare center. A stay-at-home mother, Yoon received 200,000 won in the first year and 150,000 won in the second for her first child. She is currently receiving 200,000 won every month for her second child.