"Seoul-type Kids Cafes" will stay open across the city during the Chuseok holiday, giving children places to play. The city will also issue 1 billion won ($720,000) worth of "Seoul-type Kids Cafe Money," which offers discounts at privately run kids cafes, to ease the cost of family outings during the break.
The Seoul Metropolitan Government said on the 16th that the city-run Gongyemaeul and Ompang branches of the Seoul-type Kids Cafe will operate without a break throughout the Chuseok holiday. On Sept. 26 and 27, the holiday weekend, 87 Seoul-type Kids Cafes will be open. They include nine larger city-run facilities with a wider range of play activities, such as the No. 1 city-run branch in Dongjak District and the Ttukseom Ja-beoleo branch in Gwangjin District.
Residents from outside the capital who visit Seoul to see family over the holiday can also use the facilities if accompanied by a family member who lives in Seoul. Eligibility was broadened last year to cover people who work or run a business in Seoul, allowing them to visit with their children.
The 1 billion won issuance of Seoul-type Kids Cafe Money, which provides a 20% discount at private kids cafes, goes on sale at 10 a.m. on the 18th. It is the final tranche of a planned 4.5 billion won for this year. The 3.5 billion won issued in two earlier rounds sold out ahead of schedule, with about 24,000 people buying at a discount. The vouchers are currently accepted at 61 kids cafes.
Seoul-type Kids Cafe Money can be purchased through Seoul Pay+, the payment app for Seoul Love Gift Certificates, up to 200,000 won per person each month. The holding limit is 500,000 won per person, and the vouchers must be used within two years of purchase.
"By opening many Seoul-type Kids Cafes during this holiday as well, we are able to welcome residents who come to Seoul to meet family or who want to build precious memories in Seoul," said Ma Chae-sook, head of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Women and Family Affairs Office. "Since we are also issuing Seoul-type Kids Cafe Money, we hope people make good use of it for thrifty visits and ample satisfaction."
