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- ▲ Panoramic view of Inje County Office. ⓒInje-gun
Inje-gun, Gangwon-do (Governor Choi Sang-gi) announced on January 13th a significant overhaul of its bathing fee support project for vulnerable seniors, aiming to improve both health and sanitation for this population.
The revised program now allows subsidized bathing expenses to be applied equally to all bathing facilities within the region, eliminating previous restrictions based on whether the facility was public or privately owned.
Approximately 1,000 residents aged 65 and over who receive basic livelihood security or are among the lowest income brackets will benefit from this initiative. Individuals currently receiving care in facilities or utilizing mobile bathing services are not eligible for support.
Previously, eligible seniors received 3,000 won per bath via a credit card, usable up to 20 times annually. however, those in areas lacking public bathhouses faced financial barriers when using private establishments.
To address this, the county now provides a 60,000 won annual policy subsidy loaded onto a dedicated card-the Inje Chaewo Dream Card-specifically for bathing expenses. Seniors can now access bathing facilities up to 20 times per year, paying only 3,000 won per use, regardless of the facility’s standard fees.
This change is expected to level the playing field,particularly in areas like Inje-eup and Buk-myeon,where public bathhouses are absent,ensuring equal access to bathing facilities for all eligible seniors.
The subsidy is distributed at a rate of 15,000 won per quarter. Interested individuals can apply by visiting the town or myeon administrative welfare center with an application form and identification.
County officials anticipate that this betterment will not only promote better hygiene and health maintenance among vulnerable seniors but also stimulate local businesses, such as small bathhouses, through increased patronage.
Kim Eun-hee, head of the Resident Welfare Department, stated, “We have improved the system so that vulnerable seniors do not feel differences in welfare benefits depending on their region of residence. Going forward, we will continue to promote senior welfare policies that provide practical help by reflecting voices from the field.”
