The ‘Geunyang Dream’ pilot program was launched by South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare on December 1, 2023, to address urgent needs among vulnerable populations. Unlike traditional welfare programs, it provides immediate access to food and daily necessities without requiring income or asset verification. The initiative was designed to reduce bureaucratic barriers and ensure that individuals in crisis can receive timely support. By offering unconditional aid, the program aims to serve as a foundational social safety net and connect recipients to further welfare services through follow-up counseling.
The program primarily benefits individuals and households facing sudden hardship, such as the elderly living alone, those with chronic illnesses, and people experiencing income loss. For example, a 70-year-old resident in Ulsan, struggling with medical expenses and unemployment, received immediate food support and was later connected to additional welfare services. Over two months, 36,081 people received assistance, and 6,079 welfare consultations were conducted, leading to 209 cases being linked to national and local support systems. The program also helps identify at-risk households early, expanding its impact beyond material aid.
Implementation began with 107 sites across 67 cities and counties, with plans to increase to 150 by May 2024 and 300 by the end of the year. The program is supported by both government and private sector contributions, including a three-year, 4.5 billion KRW sponsorship from Shinhan Financial Group and donations from other companies. To address shortages in high-demand areas, surplus supplies from national and regional food banks are redistributed, and mobile services are being introduced for those with mobility challenges. The Ministry of Health and Welfare is analyzing pilot results to guide phased expansion.
Frequently asked questions include: Who can access ‘Geunyang Dream’? Any individual in urgent need can visit a participating site without documentation. What support is provided? Immediate food and daily necessities are given, and recipients may be referred to further welfare services after on-site counseling. How is the program funded? It is jointly supported by government resources and private sector donations. For more information, contact the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s Social Service Resources Division at 044-202-3261.
Metaqsol opinion: The ‘Geunyang Dream’ pilot marks a notable advancement in South Korea’s social safety net by removing bureaucratic barriers and providing immediate support to those in crisis. The program’s integration of private sector funding and its rapid expansion plan reflect strong multi-sectoral commitment. Early data suggest that the initiative not only meets urgent needs but also strengthens the overall welfare system by connecting recipients to additional services. Its scalable design and focus on accessibility could inform similar policies in other contexts.