Childhood education

Early childhood education (유아교육/幼兒敎育) means educating young children and helping harmonious mental and physical development in an appropriate educational environment for children.

Necessary matters are provided by the Early Childhood Education Act (유아교육법/幼兒敎育法) as stated under Article 9 of the Framework Act on Education (교육기본법).

Early Childhood Education and Infant Care
Under the Early Childhood Education Act and other relevant laws, there are several similar concepts:

The "small children" (유아/幼兒) means children who are from three years of age up to right before their first enrollment at an elementary school. Article 2 (1) of the Early Childhood Education Act.

The "infant" (영유아/嬰幼兒) means a child who is under six years of age before his/her enrollment into elementary school. Article 2 (1) of the Infant Care Act (영유아보육법).

The "kindergarten" (유치원) means the school that is founded and operated for the education of young children. Article 2 (2) of the Early Childhood Education Act.

The "nursery facilities" (어린이집) means the facilities for taking care of infants entrusted by their guardians. Article 2 (3) of the Infant Care Act.

How to use Facilities
For further information, you are requested to visit the Seoul City Website.