Interior ministry opens children's safety diary contest

The interior ministry said Monday it would open its 2026 Children's Safety Diary Contest to encourage children to record and practice safety in daily life, accepting entries through Sept. 21.

The ministry distributed 50,000 children's safety diaries to 633 elementary schools nationwide in July with organizations that had signed a safety-culture social contribution agreement. The contest is intended for children to use the diaries to record their own safety experiences and practices.

The competition is open to first- through third-grade elementary school students nationwide. "I hope this contest will give many children an opportunity to participate actively, learn the importance of safety and develop a habit of putting safety into practice in their daily lives," said Park Hyeong-bae, director general for safety prevention policy.

Entries will be accepted only through schools, which must screen works before sending recommended entries by post. Each school may nominate up to three works from each grade, for no more than nine works in total.

Entries may cover everyday safety practices, personal safety pledges and safety-experience education. The ministry will select 10 outstanding works from each grade, for 30 prize-winning entries, and give the interior minister's award to three students in each grade.