WINNERS GALLERY

Chungcheongbuk-do’s initiative “Working Bappeo”, a senior-community symbiosis project and the first of its kind in Korea, is evolving beyond a simple welfare policy to become a recognized social brand.

Chungcheongbuk-do has been operating the “Working Bappeo” program on a pilot basis since last year. The “Working Bappeo” program is gaining attention as an innovative welfare model invigorating local communities and boosting seniors’ self-esteem by connecting voluntary participation by seniors with local job-sharing opportunities. The program introduces a volunteer-based, task-sharing model where seniors receive stipends for light tasks at senior centers, traditional markets, and other community spaces. From the beginning, “Working Bappeo” has stood apart from traditional free meal services or narrowly scoped elderly employment programs. The name “Working Bappeo” is not the simple program name but itself reflects the program’s philosophy. Instead of ‘receiving’ meals for free, seniors “earn their meals” through meaningful work, helping them rediscover a sense of purpose and dignity. This marks a paradigm shift in welfare from viewing seniors as recipients of aid to recognizing them as contributors to society.

According to Chungcheongbuk-do, the program is currently operating in 44 senior centers and 35 other sites, including traditional markets and old city centers. To date, approximately 61,000 people have participated. Compensation is provided in the form of regional currency such as Onnuri gift certificates, creating a virtuous cycle that further energizes the local economy.