Following a donation of 1,460 bags of white rice, the district will provide 30 million won in heating subsidies to 600 energy-vulnerable households in December
Seocho-gu in Seoul is rolling out a comprehensive winter welfare program for low-income and vulnerable residents struggling with cold weather and rising prices, covering everything from kimchi distribution to heating subsidies.
The district announced it is running a "winter neighbor-assistance program" that bundles kimchi and white rice support, heating cost subsidies and private-sector donation drives to help stabilize the lives of vulnerable residents during the cold months.
On Tuesday, the district held its "2026 Kimchi Sharing" event, delivering 8 kilograms of kimchi per household — 9.28 tons in total — to 1,160 low-income households. The kimchi was distributed to individual homes through 26 local welfare institutions, including community service centers, general welfare centers and senior welfare centers.
The effort went beyond simple goods delivery: welfare planners and private volunteers made in-person home visits to check on residents' heating conditions and health. The district said the initiative was aimed at strengthening a field-based safety net to prevent vulnerable people from falling through the cracks during winter.
Local companies and foundations have also stepped up with donations. Bokseong Industrial Development donated 300 bags of white rice on Oct. 12, and the Sangyeong Foundation contributed 1,160 bags on Thursday. The combined 1,460 bags are being or will be distributed to vulnerable residents through local social welfare organizations, food bank markets and community service centers.
In December, the district will provide a total of 30 million won ($22,100) in heating subsidies to 600 energy-vulnerable households, easing the burden of higher winter heating costs driven by rising energy prices.
Alongside this, the district will run the "2027 Hope Ondol Warm Winter Campaign" with the Seoul Community Chest of Korea from Sunday through Feb. 14 next year. Goods collected through the campaign will go to low-income residents in urgent need, while monetary donations will fund tailored welfare support covering living expenses, medical costs and housing.
"The colder the winter, the more our neighbors in the community need warmth and care," Seocho-gu District Mayor Jeon Seong-su said. "Through public-private cooperation, we will continue to provide attentive support so that those in need are not left behind and can spend a safe and warm winter."
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