Gwangju Seo District's "Thousand Won Taxi" Transportation Welfare Policy Receives Positive Response

Reduced Transportation Costs
High Resident Satisfaction

The "Thousand Won Taxi" transportation welfare policy for medically vulnerable groups, implemented by Seo District in Gwangju since June, has reached its 100th day and is receiving a great response from residents.

On the 9th, Seo District in Gwangju is actively promoting the "Thousand Won Taxi" project, which is operated to reduce the transportation costs for regular hospital visits for medically vulnerable groups, receiving great response from residents. Provided by Seo District Gwangju

According to Seo District on September 9, the "Thousand Won Taxi" is a transportation welfare policy in which patients with severe illnesses pay only 1,000 won for a taxi ride to the hospital, with the district covering the remaining cost.

The program supports around 1,100 people, including recipients of basic medical benefits with severe cancer, intractable (rare) diseases, tuberculosis, or serious burns. Seo District provides each of them with two taxi vouchers per month.

If a user pays 1,000 won, Seo District covers up to 20,000 won for rides within the Gwangju area and up to 30,000 won for rides to Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital. During the first 100 days of the program, 398 people used taxis a total of 976 times, with total support funds reaching approximately 10 million won.

To ensure smooth operation, the district signed an agreement with Bitgoeul Call Taxi in Gwangju, establishing a system where a taxi is immediately dispatched when users call a dedicated number. The project is also linked to the Hometown Love Donation Fund, further spreading the value of "Good Companionship."

Residents report a significant reduction in transportation costs and a high level of satisfaction with the policy. Kim, a 72-year-old resident of Kumho-dong, said, "I regularly visit Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital, and in the past, I often had to take the bus because the round-trip taxi fare exceeded 50,000 won. Thanks to the Thousand Won Taxi, I can receive treatment more comfortably, which is a great comfort and support."

On this day, Seo District Mayor Kim Ikang, who visited the "Thousand Won Taxi" operation site, stated, "The best welfare is the welfare that residents truly need. We will do our utmost to ensure that the positive influence of Seo District as a good city enhances residents' quality of life and becomes a driving force for realizing a happy community."

Meanwhile, the district continues to expand the "Thousand Won Companionship" policy, which includes initiatives such as the Thousand Won National Exam and Thousand Won Picnic, to further reduce residents' economic burdens and address gaps in welfare coverage.