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

Supporting Citizens in Urgent Need
Providing Supplies Worth 20,000 Won at Locations Near Residences
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 May 18.

'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, connection later' approach, has been piloted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in partnership with local governments since December of last year. The program swiftly provides groceries and daily necessities to citizens who are suddenly unable to make a living due to unexpected crises such as unemployment, business closure, illness, or disaster.

To prevent situations where people cannot receive timely assistance due to complicated paperwork and screening processes, the program is operated on a direct, on-site support basis.

Any citizen can visit one of the 29 designated locations across the 25 districts of Seoul near their residence, present their ID, and fill out a simple self-assessment checklist to receive support easily without having to provide separate proof of income.

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

First-time users receive emergency items as a priority. For repeat visitors, counseling is provided, and connections are made to welfare teams at community centers so that they can access the necessary welfare services.

Since December of last year until last month, Seoul conducted the Geunyang Dream pilot program in two districts: Seongdong-gu and Yeongdeungpo-gu. As a result, 2,664 people received supply packages and 49 were connected to welfare services.

Based on the results of the pilot project, the city will implement the Geunyang Dream program in collaboration with the Seoul Metropolitan Food Bank Center and basic food bank branches in each district. The plan is to build a robust support network that leaves no gaps in assisting citizens in crisis by strengthening the cooperation framework among district offices, private organizations, and welfare service sites.

Park Won-geun, Director of Welfare Policy at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, stated, "What citizens need in sudden crisis situations is support that is available the moment they reach out," and added, "We will continue to expand our on-site, community-based welfare safety net so that those in need do not hesitate to seek help."

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