Global Economic Times

Chungcheongnam-do Provincial Government Childcare Center "Renovated": HONG MOON HWA Senior Reporter / Updated : 2025-04-25 19:35:50

"Namudong" Annex Built: Includes 5 Childcare Rooms, Playroom, and AI Learning Center Enrollment Capacity Increased by 50, Resolving "Waiting List" and Leading in Work-Life Balance Environment

Chungcheongnam-do Province is taking the lead in creating a work environment that supports work-life balance, where employees can work with peace of mind without childcare burdens, by expanding the on-site childcare center at the provincial government office.

The province announced on the 24th that the "2025 Chungcheongnam-do Provincial Government Childcare Center Namudong Annex Commemoration Ceremony" was held at the outdoor playground of the childcare center.

The event, attended by Governor Kim Tae-heum, childcare center staff, children, and parents, totaling over 100 people, proceeded with a progress report, ribbon-cutting ceremony, and facility tour.

The Namudong annex, completed after approximately a year of construction that began in February of last year, spans a total area of 576㎡ and includes five childcare rooms, a playroom, and an Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning center.

With the addition of Namudong to the existing Saessakdong, Ipsaedong, and Yeolmaedong buildings, the Chungcheongnam-do Provincial Government Childcare Center has increased its enrollment capacity from 223 to 273 children, becoming the largest single-site workplace childcare center among metropolitan governments nationwide.* *Capacity: 273 children, 74 staff members

This expansion is expected to significantly alleviate the childcare burden of employees who have been waiting to be selected through a lottery, as the waiting list for all age groups (1-5 years old), excluding the infant class (0 years old), has been resolved.

Along with the improvement of the childcare environment through the expansion of the provincial government childcare center, the province plans to continuously strive to create an "organization culture that is good for raising children while working" through initiatives such as △the nation's first public sector 4-day work week, △expanded family care leave, and △preferential treatment in personnel management for civil servants with multiple children.

At the ceremony, Governor Kim Tae-heum stated, "The best welfare for working mothers and fathers is an on-site childcare center, and in the year after my inauguration, I learned that some employees were anxious and worried because they could not send their children here." He added, "The labor union also continuously requested the expansion of the childcare center, so we invested 2.1 billion won in provincial funds last year to begin construction, creating the best and largest childcare center in the country."

Governor Kim further emphasized, "Among the 17 metropolitan and provincial governments nationwide, Chungcheongnam-do Provincial Government Childcare Center has the largest number of children and teachers." He also pledged, "We will continue to provide the best childcare environment and create a good work culture for our employees."

Meanwhile, the provincial government childcare center is located on the first floor of the provincial government annex and is equipped with 21 childcare rooms, a kitchen, a playroom, and other indoor facilities, covering a total area of 4802㎡ including the outdoor playground.

Operation is outsourced to Namsoul University for three years, from December of last year to December 2027.

Childcare hours are from 7:30 AM to 7:30 PM on weekdays, and one evening class operates for three hours from 7:30 PM.