Starting in July, people in 12 areas including Gwangjin District in Seoul and Gwangmyeong in Gyeonggi Province will be able to use free public sanitary pads at residents' self-governance centers and libraries.
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family said on the 9th it will place "pads for everyone" in 12 areas so anyone can use them when needed without burden. The areas are: ▲ Gwangjin District, Seoul ▲ Eunpyeong District, Seoul ▲ Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi Province ▲ Suwon, Gyeonggi Province ▲ Seocheon County, South Chungcheong Province ▲ Jung District, Daejeon ▲ Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province ▲ Mokpo, South Jeolla Province ▲ Buk District, Gwangju ▲ Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province ▲ Geochang, South Gyeongsang Province ▲ Jeju City, Jeju Province. These areas were selected through an open call.
"Pads for everyone" are provided in a dedicated dispenser in the form of a vending machine, with two pads packaged as one pack. These dispensers are set to be installed at 700 locations, including public facilities such as residents' self-governance centers and public libraries within the 12 pilot areas, near stations and commercial facilities with heavy foot traffic, and around university districts with many single-person youth households. The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family plans to spend 3.2 billion won to supply a total of 11 million pads (5.5 million packs).
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family said, "Detailed dispenser locations by area will be made public in July on the ministry and local governments' websites," adding, "Based on the pilot project results, we will analyze usage and other data and expand nationwide starting next year."