Hana opens 100th day care center, completes six-year project

By Lee Yeon-woo

Hana Financial Group said Sunday that it held an opening ceremony for its 100th day care center in Bonghwa, North Gyeongsang Province. This marks the completion of its social responsibility initiative to build 100 day care centers, aimed at addressing the low birthrate and supporting local communities.

"It fills me with pride to see the fruition of our 100th day care center project, which Hana Financial Group has pursued tirelessly over the past six years to help address the low birthrate," Hana Financial Group Chairman Ham Young-joo said at the ceremony held on Oct. 31.

"We remain committed to creating a society where the joy of raising a child is not overshadowed by the challenges of child care, and where regional constraints or workplace environments are not barriers to quality child care. Our goal was to foster a society where raising children is easier."

Since 2018, the group has invested 150 billion won ($108.6 million) to establish day care centers across the country. The project is expected to generate an annual social value of 280.2 billion won, according to the group.

With 100 day care centers now in operation, a total of 7,519 infants and toddlers can receive care. The project has also created 1,510 direct and indirect jobs, including child care teachers, nutritionists, cooks, nurses and child psychologists. This not only contributed to supporting the local economy but also helped retain young people in their communities and boost regional productivity.

Five of these day care centers are specialized for children with disabilities, offering quality child care services and language and behavioral therapy programs for 180 children. Additionally, 13 day care centers provide integrated care in an environment free from prejudice and discrimination.

Ten day care centers are located within workplaces to support women in maintaining their careers. Of these, five are collaborative workplace day care centers, accessible to children of employees from nearby small and mid-sized enterprises.

Building on the success of this initiative, Hana will invest 30 billion won over the next five years to support 50 nurseries, extending child care services beyond regular hours.