Seogu District in Gwangju to Launch "Cheonwon Taxi" Service Next Month

Reducing Transportation Costs for the Medically Vulnerable

Seogu District in Gwangju (Mayor Kim Ikang) will officially launch the "Cheonwon Taxi" service starting next month.

According to Seogu District on May 29, this initiative was established to reduce transportation costs for medically vulnerable groups. It is the first transportation welfare policy of its kind to be introduced in Gwangju by Seogu District.

Seogu District will officially operate the "Cheonwon Taxi" starting next month. Photo by Seogu District

On the afternoon of the same day, the district signed a business agreement regarding the Cheonwon Taxi project with Gwangju Bitgoeul Call Taxi at the mayor's office of Seogu District. The beneficiaries are approximately 360 people eligible for special medical assistance (Basic Medical Assistance Type 1), including patients with severe cancer, intractable (rare) diseases, tuberculosis, and severe burns.

The district will provide these individuals with "Cheonwon Taxi Vouchers," which can be used up to 14 times per year for one-way trips. When needed, users can request a taxi by calling the dedicated number for Gwangju Bitgoeul Call Taxi, and use the service with a personal payment of 1,000 won.

For trips within the Gwangju area, the district will subsidize up to 20,000 won per ride, and up to 30,000 won for trips to Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital. This year, the Cheonwon Taxi service will be available to patients with severe illnesses, and starting next year, the eligibility will be expanded to include seniors with long-term care grades 1 to 3, patients suspected of having dementia, and recently discharged patients who have difficulty moving.

Mayor Kim Ikang stated, "Seogu District will implement meticulous welfare administration to ensure that no one has to delay treatment due to transportation costs, filling in the welfare gaps."

Seo Youngkwon, CEO of Gwangju Bitgoeul Call Taxi, said, "I am honored to participate in such a meaningful project to improve transportation convenience for the medically vulnerable in Seogu District, Gwangju," and added, "We will do our best to provide safe and convenient transportation services."

Meanwhile, last year, the district opened a "Cheonwon Guksi" restaurant, selling a bowl of noodles for 1,000 won, to create jobs for seniors, promote the use of domestic wheat, and spread a culture of sharing. The 10th branch is scheduled to open next month. In addition, the district plans to gradually expand the "Cheonwon Series," a set of good policies for vulnerable residents, including the Cheonwon Taxi support project for those with health challenges.