Korea Post announced on the 6th that it supported over 182,000 people through 13 public utilities and public insurance operations in four areas: postal infrastructure, support for marginalized communities, nurturing future generations, and sustainable eco-friendliness last year.
First, it contributed to resolving welfare blind spots in the community by utilizing the postal network. Through 243 'happiness sharing service teams' established at post offices nationwide, it has continued customized volunteer activities while expanding the 'welfare registered mail service' from 86 local governments last year to 60 in 2023, leading efforts to identify and support marginalized groups.
The 'welfare registered mail service' involves mail carriers delivering registered mail to vulnerable groups while assessing living conditions and discovering potential welfare beneficiaries, resulting in identifying 22,000 households last year to receive support from local governments. Additionally, it piloted the 'well-being check parcel' project in collaboration with the Ministry of the Interior and Safety, regularly visiting elderly and isolated households to prevent risk factors in 15 local governments.
Efforts to assist socially vulnerable populations and at-risk groups have continued. Free nursing services were provided to 2,701 patients without guardians, and a café was supported in vacant spaces at post offices for individuals with developmental disabilities to create job opportunities. The largest 'Korea Post President's Cup National Wheelchair Basketball Tournament' was held for the 20th consecutive time in June last year, celebrating past achievements and significance.
Korea Post provided monthly meal support of 300,000 won to 246 youths preparing for independence to help them prepare for a stable future and stand alone as members of society. Additionally, scholarships were awarded to 1,257 at-risk youth, and cultural experiences, life management, and learning support activities were conducted for 240 children from families with disabled parents through college mentors. In the environmental sector, it collaborated with the Korea Post Public Foundation and Happy Connect to operate a reusable cup circulation system at the Sejong Government Complex, resulting in a reduction of 1.21 million disposable cups over the past year.
The public insurance operated by Korea Post to strengthen the social safety net saw a significant increase in subscribers last year. The 'Korea Post Mother Insurance', which offers free coverage for rare diseases in children and pregnancy-related issues for pregnant women, attracted about 70,000 subscribers due to strong interest. The '1,000 won happiness insurance', which covers injuries for marginalized groups, also saw over 29,000 new subscribers. Additionally, free enrollment support was expanded for the 'shoulder support insurance' for individuals with disabilities and the 'youth dream insurance', resulting in 100,000 beneficiaries of Korea Post's public insurance in the past year alone.
Korea Post plans to allocate 11.5 billion won this year for social contribution activities. In particular, it aims to strengthen welfare support for local governments utilizing postal infrastructure, such as the 'well-being check parcel' project, and plans to expand support for socially vulnerable and at-risk groups while exploring related new projects.
Jo Hae-geun, head of Korea Post, said that 'the post office is an institution that has grown through the love and trust of the people,' and noted, 'We will continue to make the best efforts to carry out social contribution activities to ensure warmth is delivered to marginalized communities.'