South Korea to Launch National Childcare Expert Certification

The South Korean government has announced the introduction of a new national certification system for childcare professionals, among 49 new laws and amendments set to take effect this April. These legislative changes, unveiled by the Ministry of Government Legislation, aim to enhance public welfare, strengthen social safety nets, and boost specific industries across the nation.

National Certification for Childcare Specialists

Effective April 23, 2026, a new national qualification system for ‘Childcare Specialists’ (아이돌봄사) will be implemented under the revised Childcare Support Act. This initiative seeks to significantly elevate the professionalism and trustworthiness of childcare providers in South Korea. Individuals wishing to become certified will be required to complete a prescribed training course, meet specific eligibility criteria, and pass aptitude and personality tests. The qualification will be granted by the Minister of Gender Equality and Family.

Crucially, existing ‘Childcare Helpers’ (아이돌보미) — individuals already employed in childcare services at the time the new law takes effect — will be automatically recognized as having acquired the ‘Childcare Specialist’ qualification. Additionally, the revised law introduces strengthened vetting processes, including criminal background checks and restrictions for individuals with diseases that could pose a risk to others, further enhancing safety and accountability in childcare services.

Stricter Penalties for Drug-Impaired Driving

Starting April 2, 2026, amendments to the Road Traffic Act will impose harsher penalties for drug-impaired driving and introduce new sanctions for refusing drug tests. Police officers will now be empowered to conduct simple reagent tests if they suspect a driver is under the influence of drugs. Refusal to undergo such a test can result in up to five years of imprisonment or a fine of up to 20 million Korean Won (approximately USD 15,000).

The penalties for driving under the influence of drugs will also be significantly increased, from a maximum of three years imprisonment or a 10 million Won fine, to up to five years imprisonment or a 20 million Won fine. Drivers causing traffic accidents while impaired will face a two-year driving license disqualification, while those involved in hit-and-run incidents causing injury or death will be disqualified for five years. Repeat offenders who violate these provisions within 10 years will face aggravated punishment.

Expanded Tariff Exemption for Rare Disease Medicines

From April 1, 2026, the Customs Act will expand tariff exemptions for medicines used to treat rare and intractable diseases. Previously, patients importing “self-treatment medicines” — those unavailable domestically and often imported directly for personal use through channels like the Korea Orphan & Essential Drug Center — were still required to pay customs duties in addition to the drug’s cost. The new amendment will waive these tariffs, significantly reducing the financial burden on patients suffering from rare and intractable conditions.

Promotion of Healing Tourism Industry

The government will also begin promoting the healing tourism industry as a high-value-added sector, with measures taking effect from April 9, 2026, under the Act on the Promotion of the Healing Tourism Industry. This initiative aims to leverage South Korea’s diverse resources, such as scenic landscapes, hot springs, local cuisine, and activities like barefoot walking, to enhance public health and quality of life. The Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism will be able to designate professional support organizations, foster research and development, train specialists, and introduce a registration system for healing tourism businesses and certification for excellent facilities, laying a systematic foundation for industry growth.

Source: 법제처 — Original Article (Korean)