- Utilizing Apartment Complexes and Idle Spaces to Establish Stable Care Environment –

Incheon Metropolitan City (Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok) announced that it signed a business agreement on September 24 at Incheon City Hall to discover and expand shared childcare centers.

The signing ceremony was attended by Ha Byeong-pil, Incheon City Deputy Mayor for Administration; Seo Hwan-sik, Head of the LH Incheon Regional Headquarters; and Ryu Yun-gi, President of iH Incheon Urban Development Corporation, who reaffirmed their commitment to mutual cooperation.

To address the childcare gaps arising from the increase in dual-income households and changes in family structures, Incheon City has been promoting the Gap Care Project since this year. It is focusing on creating a dense and stable childcare environment by utilizing idle spaces within the community.

This agreement was jointly pursued by Incheon City and public housing development corporations to actively identify unused spaces within the region, establish a stable foundation for setting up ‘Care Centers for All,’ and address the childcare gap for elementary school students.

Key points of the agreement include:

▲ Mandatory securing of space for a care center when constructing new apartment complexes with 500 or more households ▲Identifying unused spaces owned by LH Incheon Regional Headquarters and iH Incheon Urban Development Corporation, prioritizing connections with districts/counties, and providing rent-free leases.

Through this agreement, Incheon City plans to progressively expand its childcare infrastructure. This includes establishing 16 new Together Care Centers by 2026 (currently operating 51 centers) and aiming to operate 100 centers by 2028.

Through this, Incheon City expects to contribute to realizing “Incheon, a Future City Where Children Are Happy” by addressing the care gap for elementary school students and alleviating the childcare burden on dual-income households.

Mayor Yoo Jeong-bok stated, “This agreement is an important first step toward creating a care environment where children can grow up safely and happily,” adding, “Incheon City, LH, and iH will join forces to foster an environment where every child can grow up healthily without being left behind.”

Incheon City plans to continue strengthening its community cooperation system to expand childcare services and enhance their quality.