Kindergarten teachers who are caught abusing children will face stronger punishment such as a 10-year ban on establishing or working at childcare centers, the ruling party said Thursday.

The measures, announced by the government earlier this month, plan to be introduced into law before the end of this year, the Saenuri Party said in a press release following a meeting with relevant government officials.

The current punishment for child abuse is a maximum three-year ban on establishing or working at childcare centers.

Health ministry data revealed 522 cases of child abuse at kindergartens between 2008 and 2012. Of 135 cases last year, physical abuse accounted for the largest proportion at 37.8 percent, followed by repeated abuse at 29.6 percent, neglect at 18.5 percent and emotional abuse at 11.1 percent.

Under the new measures, kindergartens could face closure if their school buses get into accidents.

Kindergarten directors and parents who collude with each other to illegally receive more government aid could also face fines and a temporary suspension of childcare allowances. (Yonhap News)