Sinan County Wins Government Innovation 'First and Best Certification'

"First Certification" for Public Funeral System
Sinan County Recognized for Pioneering Dignified Welfare Policy
Key Program Expands Nationwide to Address Funeral Welfare Gaps

On the 2nd, Shinan County received the 'First Certification' for the public funeral system at the '2025 Government Innovation First and Best Certification Award Ceremony.' Photo by Shinan County

On September 2, Sinan County in South Jeolla Province received the 'First Certification' for its public funeral system at the '2025 Government Innovation First and Best Certification Award Ceremony,' held at Community House Masil in Jung-gu, Seoul.

According to the county on September 3, the award ceremony, organized by the Ministry of the Interior and Safety and the Korea Institute of Public Administration, officially recognizes cases with 'first' or 'best' value among innovative policies that contribute to public convenience, safety, and quality of life improvements.

The county's public funeral system, first introduced nationwide in May 2007, was recognized for its achievement in upholding the dignity of socially disadvantaged groups. The public funeral system is a program in which the local government directly manages and subsidizes funerals for the unaccompanied deceased and low-income individuals. This system is significant as it preserves the dignity of the deceased, alleviates the financial burden on bereaved families, and realizes the value of community solidarity.

This system, which began in Sinan County, has now expanded to 15 metropolitan governments and 217 basic local governments, becoming a key program for addressing gaps in funeral welfare.

Kim Daein, acting governor of Sinan County, stated, "I am proud that the public funeral system, which started in Sinan County, has spread nationwide and laid the foundation for a dignified society without exclusion. We will continue to expand leading welfare policies that encompass all aspects of residents' lives."

Meanwhile, at the event, in addition to the county's public funeral system, the National Fire Agency's 'Overseas Resident Safety Assistant,' Seoul City's 'Medication Instructions on Prescription Bags,' and Gwangju City's 'Carbon Bank System' were selected as 'first cases.' Furthermore, Dong-gu in Gwangju for 'AI Solutions for Everyday Problems,' Jecheon City for 'Overcoming Regional Decline through Migrant Support,' and Seoul City and Anyang City for 'Public Funeral Services' were chosen as 'best cases.'

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.