Gangbuk District to Provide 100,000 Won Companion Card Support for 13-Year-Olds and First-Year Middle School Students

Available at 84 Partner Stores
Applications Open Until November 13

Gangbuk District in Seoul (District Mayor Lee Soonhee) is implementing the Child and Youth Companion Card support program to assist teenagers with cultural activities and career exploration.

This year, the program is open to 13-year-olds or first-year middle school students (born in 2013, as of 2026) who are registered residents of Gangbuk District. The eligibility, previously limited to socially disadvantaged groups, has been expanded to include all 13-year-olds and first-year middle school students. Each eligible youth will receive a Companion Card loaded with 100,000 won worth of rechargeable points per year.

Exterior view of Gangbuk District Office. Provided by Gangbuk District Office.

Applications can be submitted from this month until November 13 at the local community service center corresponding to the applicant’s registered address. The youth themselves or their legal guardians must apply in person. If a youth applies alone, they must submit an application form signed by their legal guardian.

After receiving the card, it must be registered on the Gangbuk Companion Card website (https://gb.purmee.kr) to activate the points. Users can then conveniently check their transaction history and remaining balance on the website. The points must be used by December 15 of this year.

The Companion Card can be used at registered merchants within the district, including psychological counseling and career experience centers, bookstores, stationery stores, youth cultural centers, workshops, sports and leisure facilities, and more. In total, the card is accepted at 84 locations, both online and offline. The list of participating merchants is available on the Gangbuk Companion Card website. The district plans to continuously expand the number of available merchants to enhance user convenience.

A district official stated, “We hope the Companion Card will provide teenagers with diverse experiential opportunities and serve as a practical foundation for their growth,” adding, “We will continue to actively support local youth so they can gain a wealth of experiences within the community.”