Sunchang, South Korea – In a bid to alleviate the financial burden on pregnant women and foster a more child-friendly environment, Sunchang County will be providing a 1 million won grant to expectant mothers starting in 2025.

The county has seen a positive trend in its birthrate, with the number of registered pregnant women increasing by 18 to 114 compared to the previous year. The number of births also rose from 79 in 2023 to 85 this year.

To further accelerate this positive trend, the county has revised its birth support ordinance and will launch the pregnancy grant program. Eligible recipients are pregnant women who have resided in Sunchang County for at least 90 days prior to the application date and are 24 weeks or more into their pregnancy.

The grant, in the form of Sunchang local currency, can be used at various local businesses, including hospitals, restaurants, supermarkets, and baby product stores.

In addition to the pregnancy grant, Sunchang County offers a range of maternal and child health services. These include providing essential prenatal vitamins, offering postpartum support, and assisting expectant mothers in remote areas with transportation costs. The county also supports couples struggling with infertility by covering the costs of diagnostic tests and treatments.

"We anticipate that the pregnancy grant program will not only reduce the healthcare costs for expectant mothers but also contribute to a higher birthrate," said Sunchang County Mayor Choi Young-il. "We will continue to develop unique pregnancy, childbirth, and childcare policies and improve existing programs."