Mom leaves American parents shocked by sharing how much daycare costs in South Korea

Daycare in America is expensive. In order to avoid that cost, many parents prefer to take turns staying at home with their kids. However, daycare in many other cities in the world is affordable. One such city is Seoul in South Korea. A TikTok user, @taduko1352332, broke down the cost of daycare in their city and compared it to the cost of daycare in New York. People were shocked to find out the difference, reported Scary Mommy.

She starts the video by saying, "According to the Daycare Council of New York, daycare for a toddler costs roughly $341 a week, which is $16,380 a year."

"Guess how much it costs in our mega city Seoul, South Korea?" she asks. "First let me tell you how long he goes for and what's included. We send him from 9 am to 4 pm, but it's actually open from 7 am to about 9 pm. Anything after 6 pm is an added cost because it includes another meal."

She then talks about what they need to pay extra for. "There is an added cost for two English classes, one PE class and one activity day a month," says the TikTok user. She also mentions what her son is given from the daycare. "He's given two snacks and one meal a day. And daycare also sends him home with loads of thematic toys every week, including books, basketball and basketball hoop and more," says the woman.

She finally speaks about what they end up having to pay. "The monthly cost for daycare is 364000 KRW ($278 US) a month. The added English classes, sports class and activity day for the month cost KRW 59599 ($46) a month. The total amounts to 423500 KRW ($323) a month. For which the Korean government pays 364000 KRW ($278). So we only end up paying 59,500 KRW a month which is $46," she reveals.

The video went viral with over 713k views and 93k likes. Many on TikTok were surprised to know the difference in daycare costs in both cities. @dancefloordoll said, "*sobs in American*." @user12271836 commented, "American daycare is crazy. It’s like a mortgage payment. That’s why I’m a stay-at-home mom." @Si_Pollard pointed out, "Worst of all, $375 would actually be cheap here in Boston. We pay $425pw." @plsdonttalk2me shared, "It’s $350 a week in Dallas and you must bring all supplies yourself. They give 1 meal and no activity days at all."

@larizarigor commented, "*Crys* as I pay 920 a month for 2 kids, but my job only covers up to a certain point." @hdglncchancy commented, "American daycare would cost me $1600 a month. My rent is $1000. I work part-time so my husband can work fully. We cannot afford daycare." @nikk2nak wrote, "My daycare in FL is $200 a week per child. So 3 kids are $2,400 a month. That’s double my mortgage." @vidadeazzy expressed, "Ok Korea and Japan take care of their kids. We are paying 1340/month. It’s Montessori though."