Gapyeong County Ramps Up Opposition to National Pension Center Closure... Increased Inconvenience and Access Issues for the Elderly

Gapyeong County Urges Withdrawal of National Pension Service's Plan to Close Gapyeong Counseling Center
Signature Campaign Until November 21
Strong Opposition to Decision That Ignores Local Realities

Gapyeong County in Gyeonggi Province announced on October 27 that it will launch a county-wide signature campaign demanding the withdrawal of the National Pension Service's plan to close the Gapyeong Counseling Center, running until November 21. The county plans to formally convey the strong will of its residents to the National Pension Service through this campaign.

Seo Taewon, Gapyeong County Governor (center), held a meeting on the 2nd with officials from the National Pension Service and others, strongly expressing opposition to the closure plan of the Gapyeong Counseling Center. Provided by Gapyeong County

According to the county, as part of its public institution innovation plan established in December 2022, the National Pension Service has sequentially closed seven counseling centers nationwide from 2024 to the present. Furthermore, at the end of December this year, the agency plans to close the Gapyeong Counseling Center, which has been in operation since its opening in 2016, marking its eighth year.

In response, on October 2, Gapyeong County held a meeting at the county office attended by officials from the National Pension Service, Gapyeong County Council, and the office of the National Assembly member, where they strongly expressed their opposition. Gapyeong County pointed out that the decision fails to reflect the realities of the region, which is designated as a depopulated area and suffers from overlapping regulations. In particular, given the high proportion of elderly residents and the significant demand for in-person administrative services, the closure of the counseling center would further increase inconvenience and isolation among residents.

If the Gapyeong Counseling Center is closed, residents of Gapyeong County will be forced to travel long distances to other branches in places like Chuncheon or Namyangju for pension-related consultations. This is expected to increase social costs such as transportation expenses and travel time, and there are growing concerns that it could effectively infringe on the right of access for those with limited mobility.

Seo Taewon, Governor of Gapyeong County, stated, "The plan to close the Gapyeong Counseling Center, which ignores the challenges our county faces due to depopulation and an aging population, is causing a deep sense of loss among residents. The Gapyeong Counseling Center is not merely an administrative office, but a symbol of public service that has protected the rights of our residents, and it must be preserved."