Seoul Launches 'Geunyang Dream' Program in 25 Districts to Support Households in Crisis

Supporting Citizens in Urgent Need
Providing 20,000 Won Worth of Supplies at Nearby Locations
Simple Assistance Without Complex Procedures or Income Verification

The Seoul Metropolitan Government will officially launch the 'Geunyang Dream' program, which supports citizens in urgent need, across all 25 districts starting from May 18, 2026.

'Geunyang Dream' participating business providing groceries and daily necessities to citizens in urgent need. Provided by the Seoul Metropolitan Government.

Geunyang Dream, characterized by its 'support first, follow-up later' approach, has been piloted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in partnership with local governments since December 2025. This program swiftly provides groceries and daily necessities to citizens facing sudden crises—such as job loss, business closure, illness, or disaster—who are unable to sustain their livelihoods.

To prevent situations where complicated paperwork and review processes delay timely assistance, the program operates with immediate on-site support.

Any citizen can visit one of the 29 designated locations in the 25 districts of Seoul near their residence, present an ID, and fill out a simple self-assessment checklist to receive support without the need for separate income verification.

The support package consists of items worth approximately 20,000 won per person, including ready-to-eat meals such as instant rice, ramen, and kimchi, as well as daily necessities like toilet paper, detergent, and soap.

First-time users are given priority for emergency supplies, while repeat visitors receive counseling and are connected to local community center welfare teams so they can access the necessary welfare services.

Since December 2025, the Seoul Metropolitan Government has piloted the Geunyang Dream program in Seongdong-gu and Yeongdeungpo-gu. As a result, 2,664 people received supply packages, and 49 were connected to welfare services.

Based on the outcomes of the pilot program, Seoul plans to further the Geunyang Dream initiative in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Food Bank Center and local food bank centers in each district. The city aims to strengthen cooperation among district offices, private organizations, and welfare sites to build a robust support network and prevent any gaps in assistance for citizens in crisis.

Park Wonkeun, Director of Welfare Policy at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "In sudden crisis situations, what citizens need most is immediate support when they reach out. We will continue to expand the comprehensive, on-site welfare safety net so that citizens in need can seek help without hesitation."

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