26th Social Welfare Day Ceremony Held Under the Theme “A Strong Welfare Nation”

- 212 awarded for contributions to social welfare; frontline workers commended for their service -

The Ministry of Health and Welfare (Minister Jeong Eun Kyeong) held the 26th Social Welfare Day Commemorative Ceremony on Friday, September 5, at 11:00 a.m., at the Seoul Garden Hotel in Mapo-gu, Seoul.

- Social Welfare Day was established on September 7, 2000, the promulgation date of the National Basic Living Security Act. Since then, the week beginning on this date has been designated as Social Welfare Week, with annual commemorative events held nationwide.

(as stipulated in Article 15-2 of the Social Welfare Services Act, “Social Welfare Day”)

This year’s ceremony, held under the theme “A Strong Welfare Nation Built on Solid Foundations,” brought together more than 200 participants. Attendees included Minister of Health and Welfare Jeong Eun Kyeong; Park Joomin, Chair of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee; lawmakers Back Hyeryun, Seo Youngseok, Jeon Jinsook, and Kim Yoon; Baek Sunhee, member of the National Defense Committee; leaders of social welfare organizations; award recipients; and social welfare professionals. The event also served as an opportunity to commend those working on the front lines, whose dedication continues to strengthen Korea’s social welfare system.

At the ceremony, the government honored individuals and organizations dedicated to protecting vulnerable groups and advancing social welfare. Awards conferred included the Order of Civil Merit (Dongbaek Medal and Mongnyeon Medal, one each), the Civil Merit Medal (two recipients), the Presidential Citation (seven recipients), the Prime Minister’s Citation (five recipients), the Minister of Health and Welfare Citation (170 recipients), and the National Assembly Speaker’s Merit Medal (one recipient). The Social Service Network (SSN) also conferred the Social Welfare Grand Prize (one recipient), the Woobong Volunteer Award (one recipient), and Merit Awards (23 recipients).

Han Gyutaek, CEO of the social welfare corporation Aerinwon, received the Order of Civil Merit (Dongbaek Medal) in recognition of his 48 years of contributions to social welfare through the operation of welfare facilities and volunteer service. As the third-generation operator of Aerin Nursing Home, which marks its centennial this year, he has worked to create a facility where seniors wish to live and staff aspire to work. The nursing home has been recognized as an outstanding facility for nine consecutive years. Han has also contributed significantly to expanding social welfare through SSN initiatives that identify underserved households and promote a culture of giving.

Kim Han-gi, President of the Guro-gu SSN, received the Order of Civil Merit (Mongnyeon Medal) in recognition of his contributions to community welfare through volunteerism and philanthropy. His efforts include donations to veterans’ senior centers, the Community Chest of Korea, and the Guro-gu Scholarship Foundation, as well as organizing local fundraising drives. Through these diverse activities, he has played a significant role in expanding community-based social welfare.

Park Yonghun, Director of the Eumseong Self-Support Center, received the Civil Merit Medal for establishing the local SSN in Eumseong and leading self-support programs that foster independence among vulnerable groups. Venerable Jeong Yanggwon, Chief Monk of Myeongdeoksa Temple, was also recognized for many years of dedicated service to neighbors in need in Namyangju, Gyeonggi Province, helping to advance a culture of giving.

In a written message, President Lee Jae Myung conveyed his appreciation: “I extend my deep gratitude to all social welfare workers who dedicate themselves to bringing warmth to every corner of society. The government will continue to strengthen its role to ensure that the basic conditions for a decent life are guaranteed for all citizens.”

Park Joomin, Chair of the National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee, remarked, “I hope today’s event inspires pride among social welfare workers and strengthens our commitment to building a society where everyone can live with happiness. The National Assembly will take the lead in establishing a welfare state that blossoms with joy and trust, supported by the people.”

Minister of Health and Welfare Jeong Eun Kyeong stated, “The dedication of today’s awardees, along with countless social welfare workers, forms the very foundation of our welfare system. The government will continue to listen to voices from the field and build a more attentive and compassionate system of care.”

The entire 26th Social Welfare Day Commemorative Ceremony was broadcast live on the SSN’s YouTube channel "Nanum Channel Gonggam" (https://url.kr/5s8oam), and remains available for replay. 

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