Jeonju
Social Welfare
Sections
1. Healthcare Support
South Korea has a robust healthcare system, and Jeonju residents can access various healthcare support programs through the National Health Insurance Service (NHIS) and local welfare offices.
Key Programs:
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National Health Insurance (NHI):
- Description: All residents, including foreigners with long-term visas, are required to enroll in the NHI. It provides access to affordable healthcare services, including hospital visits, prescriptions, and preventive care.
- Costs: Monthly premiums are based on income. For employed individuals, the employer and employee share the cost. For self-employed individuals, premiums are calculated based on income and assets.
- Eligibility: All residents, including foreign nationals staying in Korea for more than six months.
- Application Procedure:
- Visit the Jeonju branch of the National Health Insurance Service.
- Submit your Alien Registration Card (ARC) and proof of residence.
- Local Office: NHIS Jeonju Branch (์ ์ฃผ ๊ตญ๋ฏผ๊ฑด๊ฐ๋ณดํ๊ณต๋จ)
- Address: 22-1, Jeonjucheon-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
- Phone: 1577-1000
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Medical Aid Program (์๋ฃ๊ธ์ฌ):
- Description: Provides free or low-cost medical services to low-income households.
- Eligibility: Residents who qualify as low-income under the National Basic Livelihood Security System (NBLS).
- Application Procedure: Apply at your local community service center (์ฃผ๋ฏผ์ผํฐ).
- Costs: Free or significantly reduced medical expenses.
2. Housing Assistance
Jeonju offers housing support programs to help low-income families, young adults, and the elderly secure affordable housing.
Key Programs:
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Public Rental Housing (๊ณต๊ณต์๋์ฃผํ):
- Description: Affordable housing options provided by the Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH).
- Eligibility: Low-income families, newlyweds, young adults, and the elderly. Eligibility is based on income and asset limits.
- Costs: Rent is significantly lower than market rates.
- Application Procedure:
- Visit the LH Jeonju Office or apply online through the LH website (www.lh.or.kr).
- Submit required documents, including proof of income and family composition.
- Local Office: LH Jeonju Office
- Address: 123, Hyoja-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
- Phone: 1600-1004
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Emergency Housing Assistance (๊ธด๊ธ์ฃผ๊ฑฐ์ง์):
- Description: Temporary housing support for individuals or families facing sudden financial crises.
- Eligibility: Residents experiencing emergencies such as eviction or natural disasters.
- Application Procedure: Apply at your local community service center.
3. Childcare Services
Jeonju provides extensive support for families with children, including subsidized daycare, education programs, and financial assistance.
Key Programs:
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Daycare Subsidies (๋ณด์ก๋ฃ ์ง์):
- Description: Financial support for daycare fees for children aged 0-5.
- Eligibility: All families with children in daycare, with higher subsidies for low-income households.
- Costs: Subsidies cover most or all daycare fees, depending on income level.
- Application Procedure:
- Apply through the "Bokjiro" website (www.bokjiro.go.kr) or at your local community service center.
- Submit proof of income and childโs enrollment in daycare.
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Child Allowance (์๋์๋น):
- Description: Monthly financial support for children under the age of 8.
- Eligibility: All families with children under 8, regardless of income.
- Costs: Free to apply; families receive 100,000 KRW per child per month.
- Application Procedure: Apply at your local community service center or online via the "Bokjiro" website.
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After-School Care (๋ฐฉ๊ณผํ ๋๋ด):
- Description: Affordable after-school programs for elementary school children.
- Eligibility: Open to all elementary school students, with priority for low-income families.
- Application Procedure: Contact your childโs school or the local education office.
4. Support for the Elderly
Jeonju offers a range of programs to support its aging population, including pensions, healthcare, and community services.
Key Programs:
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Basic Pension (๊ธฐ์ด์ฐ๊ธ):
- Description: Monthly pension for seniors aged 65 and older with low income.
- Eligibility: Seniors with income and assets below a certain threshold.
- Costs: Free to apply; eligible seniors receive up to 300,000 KRW per month.
- Application Procedure: Apply at your local community service center or the National Pension Service (NPS) office.
- Local Office: NPS Jeonju Branch
- Address: 45, Jeonjucheon-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
- Phone: 1355
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Senior Welfare Centers (๋ ธ์ธ๋ณต์ง๊ด):
- Description: Community centers offering recreational activities, meals, and social services for seniors.
- Eligibility: Open to all seniors aged 60 and above.
- Costs: Most services are free or require a nominal fee.
- Local Centers: Jeonju Senior Welfare Center
- Address: 123, Pungnam-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
- Phone: +82-63-123-4567
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Home Care Services (์ฌ๊ฐ๋ณต์ง์๋น์ค):
- Description: In-home care services for seniors with limited mobility.
- Eligibility: Seniors with disabilities or chronic illnesses.
- Application Procedure: Apply through your local community service center.
Application Tips and Local Considerations
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Language Support: While many government offices in Jeonju provide services in Korean, some offer interpretation services for foreign residents. Itโs advisable to bring a Korean-speaking friend or hire an interpreter if needed.
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Required Documents: Always bring your Alien Registration Card (ARC), proof of residence, and any income-related documents when applying for welfare programs.
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Community Service Centers (์ฃผ๋ฏผ์ผํฐ): These are your first point of contact for most welfare programs. Each neighborhood in Jeonju has its own center where you can apply for services and get assistance.
- Example: Wansan-gu Community Service Center
- Address: 45, Wansan-ro, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do
- Phone: +82-63-123-4567
- Example: Wansan-gu Community Service Center
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Online Resources: Many applications can be submitted online through government portals like "Bokjiro" (www.bokjiro.go.kr) or the National Health Insurance website (www.nhis.or.kr).
Jeonjuโs social welfare programs are designed to ensure that all residents, including immigrants, can access essential services and lead a comfortable life. By understanding the available programs and following the application procedures, you can take full advantage of the support offered in this vibrant city.