Hanam City to expand childcare following top national infant migration ranking

Hanam City has recorded the highest Infant Net Migration Index (NMI) in South Korea, according to research published in the journal ‘Kukto Yeongu’. The study, conducted by researcher Moon So-hyun of the Seoul National University Institute of Land and Urban Research, found that Hanam's NMI stands at 13.60, surpassing other regions such as Gwacheon and Hwaseong.

In response to this influx of young families, Mayor Lee Hyun-jae has announced plans to strengthen childcare, education, and cultural infrastructure. To minimize gaps in care, the city will undergo an organizational restructuring on the 26th to integrate childcare services for infants, children, and elementary students under the Childcare Policy Division. This initiative aims to provide seamless support through weekend, holiday, and 24-hour care, as well as morning and school-linked care.

Additional infrastructure projects include the opening of a children's English library in the second half of this year, the establishment of a children's center by 2027, and the construction of the Gyosan School Complex, which is expected to be completed by 2030. The school complex will feature an indoor swimming pool, a multipurpose gymnasium, and a living culture center, with a total project cost of approximately 48.1 billion won.