Jeonnam’s ”Welfare Dongdae” Builds a community-Based Safety Net, Aiming for National Expansion
Jeollanam-do Province’s “Welfare Dongdae” (Our Neighborhood Welfare Machine) has emerged as a leading model for localized, community-driven welfare support, reaching 276,000 households across the province in the past five years. Launched in April 2019 as South Korea’s first public-private cooperative welfare organization, Welfare Dongdae focuses on proactively identifying and resolving the immediate needs of vulnerable residents.
the program operates through a network of over 4,800 “welfare agents” active in 22 cities and 297 towns and villages. These agents – comprised of village chiefs,women’s association leaders,skilled residents,volunteers,and public officials - work directly within their communities to address challenges faced by their neighbors.
Welfare Dongdae provides practical, life-improving services, ranging from minor home repairs like lamp replacement, electrical work, and boiler maintenance, to installing accessibility ramps. Crucially,the program also offers financial assistance for essential needs like living expenses,medical bills,and housing costs for households experiencing crises due to job loss or illness. This support represents approximately 30% of all households in jeollanam-do.
The program’s success has attracted significant funding. In 2023, it was selected as a new project funded by the national Lottery Fund, securing a total of KRW 10.3 billion (approximately $7.7 million USD) through 2025.KRW 3.3 billion (approximately $2.5 million USD) has already been allocated this year to enhance practical welfare services. Beyond government funding, Welfare Dongdae has also garnered over KRW 3 billion (approximately $2.2 million USD) in private donations since 2021 from organizations like the Jeonnam Advancement Corporation, local businesses, and financial institutions.
High satisfaction rates demonstrate the program’s effectiveness. A recent survey revealed 99.7% of recipients were satisfied with the services provided, and over 98% of welfare agents expressed a commitment to continued participation.
Governor Kim Young-rok emphasizes the program’s core strength: “Welfare Dongdae is the first fence to discover and solve the first difficulties by the people.” He has announced plans to expand the Welfare Dongdae model nationwide, aiming to establish a extensive living welfare network that ensures all South Korean citizens enjoy secure and cozy lives. The program is lauded for together supporting vulnerable populations and strengthening community bonds through direct resident involvement.
