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Busan City and World Vision Busan Office Join Forces to Identify and Support Youth Caregivers

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On May 30 at 2:00 PM, Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced it will sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with World Vision’s Busan Office at the International Reception Room of Busan City Hall to support youth caregivers.

The term “youth caregivers” refers to adolescents who, due to unexpected family circumstances such as accidents, illness, or disability of a guardian, are responsible for caring for family members despite being at an age when they should be receiving care.

These youth, acting as heads of household during their developmental years, often face compounded emotional isolation and financial hardship. This limits their access to education and can hinder their ability to live independently, potentially leading to various social issues.

The signing ceremony will be attended by Mayor Park Heong-joon, World Vision Busan Director Lee Hyun, and Busan Family Center Association President Jo Geum-soon.

This MOU was prepared to proactively support youth caregivers in cooperation with the local community ahead of the implementation of the “Act on Support for At-Risk Children and Youth” in March 2026, following its grace period.

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MOU Details

Under the agreement, both organizations will collaborate in the following areas:

• ●▲ Identifying and supporting youth caregivers

• ●▲ Sharing information on support programs and building an interlinked service system

• ●▲ Public outreach and promotion efforts within the local community

In particular, Busan City’s Everyday Care Service and World Vision Busan’s Integrated Support Project for Youth Caregivers will be connected, with information actively shared to enhance cooperation.

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World Vision’s Financial Support

Through this agreement, World Vision Busan will contribute KRW 300 million (approx. USD 220,000) by 2027 to reduce the care burden for youth caregivers. Each eligible youth may receive up to KRW 1.3 million (approx. USD 950) to cover:

▲ Caregiving expenses

▲ Emergency living costs

▲ Personal contributions for caregivers or assistants

▲ Housing costs (repairs, rent, maintenance)

▲ Household appliance purchases

▲ Medical costs for caregivers and dependents

▲ Psychological assessments and treatment

▲ Learning materials and self-development expenses

▲ Leisure activity support

Eligibility: Youth aged 34 or younger in households earning below 120% of the median income.

World Vision Busan is also working with district-level family centers, multicultural family support centers, and relevant social welfare organizations.

Youth caregivers seeking support can contact World Vision Busan at ☎ 051-862-9090.

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Related Partnership

Earlier in April, Busan City signed a separate MOU with ChildFund Korea (Green Umbrella) Busan Regional Office and the Busan Social Welfare Center Association to provide integrated support for child and youth caregivers.
Through this agreement, participants receive at least KRW 1.2 million (approx. USD 875) per person in care support, education, housing, and medical expenses.

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Mayor Park Heong-joon stated:

“Through this agreement, we hope to eliminate blind spots in caregiving and build a warmer, more inclusive community in Busan—
a city that people want to return to in their next life.
By working together, we will support our youth in overcoming the burdens of reality so they can dream freely and pursue the lives they desire.
The City will also promote additional policies to actively support them.”

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[Appendix 1] MOU Ceremony Overview

Time	Program
14:00–14:02	Opening & introduction of attendees
14:02–14:03	Explanation of MOU contents
14:03–14:13	Congratulatory remarks and conversation
14:13–14:15	MOU signing and commemorative photo session

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[Appendix 2] MOU Document

Memorandum of Understanding
On Supporting Youth Caregivers in Busan Metropolitan City

Signed by:
Mayor Park Heong-joon
World Vision Busan Director Lee Hyun