Seoul's Gangdong-gu district will continue its high school student study space subsidy program in the second half of the year, district officials said Tuesday.
The program — the first of its kind among Seoul's autonomous districts — covers fees for study cafes and reading rooms used by eligible high school students.
Students currently residing in Gangdong-gu who belong to households receiving basic livelihood benefits, near-poverty households, or single-parent families recognized under law are eligible to apply. The subsidy covers actual usage costs up to 100,000 won ($71) per person per month, with an annual cap of 200,000 won.
Since the program launched, the district has supported 88 high school students, drawing positive feedback from students and parents who say it has helped ease the financial burden of education costs.
The district plans to continue promoting the program and guiding applicants through the process in the second half of the year to reach more students.
Applications can be submitted in person at the local community service center covering the applicant's registered address, or by email with the required documents, including the application form and payment receipts for the relevant year. After verifying eligibility, the district deposits the subsidy into the applicant's bank account on the 10th of each month.
The program operates within a set budget and may close early if funds run out. For more information, residents can visit the Gangdong-gu district website or contact the district's Children and Youth Division.
"I hope this program helps young people nurture their dreams in a stable learning environment," district Mayor Lee Su-hee said. "We will continue to push forward effective education welfare policies to ensure that economic circumstances do not create gaps in learning opportunities."
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