Raising a Family in South Korea: A Slice of Modern Paradise

Introduction

Living in South Korea as an American has allowed me to expand my family and experience a unique cultural blend. Since moving to South Korea in 2007, I have had the opportunity to raise my three boys in a multicultural environment where we celebrate three different cultures and languages.

A Journey to South Korea

My journey to South Korea began in 2007 when I accepted a position as an associate professor in Daegu. It was in 2008 that I met my now-husband, a Persian jeweler and businessman with Korean citizenship. Our love for each other and for this peaceful and beautiful country grew as we explored it together.

A Multicultural Family

As parents, we are raising our three boys, aged 12, 9, and 2, in a third culture environment. They have Korean citizenship and are part of the vibrant multicultural community in South Korea. We make it a point to celebrate the holidays and traditions of all three cultures represented in our family. Our home is filled with the sounds of Korean, English, and Persian, as we believe in the importance of maintaining fluency in all three languages.

Benefits of Raising Kids in South Korea

Raising kids in South Korea offers a slice of modern paradise. The country is known for its convenience, safety, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation and education. Here are some of the benefits we've experienced:

Universal Healthcare for Maternity

When I gave birth to my third child, I was grateful for the comprehensive maternity care available in South Korea. I spent three days in a private hospital room, where I received traditional postpartum meals of rice and seaweed soup. The delivery and hospital stay cost us a tax-refundable fee of $680. After returning home, we were fortunate to have the support of a postpartum doula, provided free of charge for two weeks. We also had the option to extend the doula's services for an additional two weeks at a reasonable cost of $375 per week for full-time 40-hour home care. This level of support made a significant difference in my recovery and adjustment to life with a newborn.

Government Stipends and Bonuses

In South Korea, newborns receive monthly stipends of about $528 for the first year, gradually decreasing until early elementary years. Additionally, families are eligible for a congratulatory birth bonus of approximately $1,500. These financial benefits help alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with raising a family.

School Environment and Education

Schools in South Korea provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow. Unlike the concerns we often hear about in other countries, South Korean schools have an open-door policy for parents, no metal detectors, and no active shooter drills. This allows our children to focus on their education without unnecessary worries. The school lunches are a highlight for my kids, offering warm and nutritious meals with a variety of side dishes. They enjoy dishes like fresh salads, crab soup, duck, shrimp cakes, and even macarons for dessert. The schools also offer a wide range of after-school programs and activities, including robotics, piano, martial arts, coding, soccer, art, and academic subjects. Multicultural families have access to private tutoring for language, math, and life skills, ensuring that all children have the support they need to succeed. The educational experiences in South Korea are designed to create communicative and self-directed learners, with public International Baccalaureate schools available for older children.

A Welcoming Community

South Korea has a vibrant and welcoming community that celebrates multiculturalism. Our family has had opportunities to participate in television shows, performances, and books, showcasing the diverse backgrounds and cultures that make up our community. We feel embraced and supported by the people around us, making our journey in South Korea a unique adventure.

Conclusion

Living and raising a family in South Korea has been a remarkable experience. The country's commitment to education, safety, and its celebration of multiculturalism has allowed our family to flourish. We are grateful for the opportunities, the cultural experiences, and the delicious food that South Korea offers. We look forward to continuing our journey and creating lasting memories in this modern paradise.

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By: insider@insider.com (Meredith Lee Khanloo)
Title: Raising a Family in South Korea: A Slice of Modern Paradise
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/south-korea-benefits-raising-kids-tax-credits-doulas-universal-healthcare-2024-1
Published Date: Thu, 25 Jan 2024 13:51:41 +0000