“We Will Wash Your Work Clothes!” ... Ulsan City Operates ‘Taehwagang Cleaning’

Ulsan City Hall.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters, Trainee Reporter Hwang Du-yeol] A laundry service for work uniforms for small and medium-sized enterprises aimed at improving worker welfare, ‘Taehwagang Cleaning,’ is now in operation.

Ulsan City held the opening ceremony for the work uniform laundry service ‘Taehwagang Cleaning’ on the 3rd.

The ceremony was attended by about 18 people, including the Mayor of Ulsan, the Chairperson of the City Council, representatives from the two major labor unions, the Ulsan Community Chest of Korea, the local self-sufficiency center, and representatives from sponsoring companies.

The event included a progress report, a unveiling ceremony, and a laundry experience.

‘Taehwagang Cleaning’ was established through a business agreement among participating organizations including Ulsan City, Ulsan Community Chest of Korea, Ulsan Self-Sufficiency Center, Ulsan Port Authority, Gyeongnam Bank, Hyundai Motor Company, and the Hyundai Motor Branch of the Korean Metal Workers’ Union.

The total project cost was 210 million KRW, and the facility was set up at 215 Wolpyeong-ro, Nam-gu, covering an area of 50 pyeong (approximately 165 square meters).

The facility is equipped with four industrial washing machines and three dryers for work uniform cleaning. Two delivery vehicles for collecting work uniforms are also provided.

Work uniforms of small and medium-sized enterprise workers are difficult to clean with household washing machines due to contamination by chemicals, oil, dust, and other pollutants. Many commercial laundries also refused to wash them.

Taehwagang Cleaning provides health and welfare improvements and laundry convenience to small and medium-sized enterprise workers who have faced difficulties in cleaning their work uniforms.

Ulsan City stated, “The Nam-gu Regional Self-Sufficiency Center operates the project, and it is expected to create jobs for vulnerable groups.”

An official from Ulsan City said, “We plan to discover and promote various projects to improve worker welfare.”