South Korea Expands Soap Phone Welfare Program Nationwide

On the morning of September 22, 2025, anticipation buzzed through community centers and local markets across South Korea as the government officially launched the second phase of its ambitious “Minseok Meeting Soap Phone” project. This initiative, aimed at supporting everyday citizens—especially the elderly and disabled—represents one of the most wide-reaching public welfare efforts in recent years. According to Hankyung and Kyunghyang Shinmun, the new round of support comes at a critical time, as households continue to recover from economic shocks and adapt to new technological tools for daily life.

At the Seolrye-dong community center in Gwansun-gu, Suwon, citizens lined up early, eager to apply for the much-anticipated second round of “Minseok Meeting Soap Phone” coupons. The scene was mirrored in other cities, with images showing residents patiently waiting their turn, clutching forms and chatting about how the new devices and coupons might help them manage daily expenses and stay connected. The launch marked not only the start of the program’s second phase but also a renewed hope for many families struggling to keep up with rising costs and digital transitions.

So, what exactly is the “Soap Phone”? The initiative centers on a specially designed mobile device—dubbed the “Soap Phone”—that offers a suite of practical functions: calling, public use features, chatting, cleaning, and even printing. The device’s simple interface is tailored for ease of use, particularly by seniors and people with disabilities. The government, in partnership with major card companies and telecom operators, has worked to ensure that the phones are accessible and that related services are as seamless as possible. According to Yonhap News, the first phase of the project saw a striking 99.0% new user rate, with over 50.08 million people registering by the previous month—a testament to its popularity and necessity.

This second phase is even more ambitious. Beginning September 22, the government began subsidizing about 90% of the cost, providing 100,000 won (about $75 USD) per person to eligible citizens. Application is open to all adults in households whose combined income falls below the 90th percentile, as determined by June 2025 health insurance premium data (excluding long-term care insurance). For example, a single-person household must have a monthly premium below 220,000 won, while a four-person household’s threshold is 510,000 won. Applications are accepted until October 31, 2025, with users able to select their preferred payment method—credit/debit card, local gift certificate, or prepaid card—mirroring the flexibility of the first phase.

Adults apply and receive the benefits individually, while minors’ applications are handled by the head of household. However, if a minor is not listed under a head of household or is registered as a cohabitant, they can apply independently. Notably, this round introduces new flexibility for military personnel, who can now use their coupons in businesses near their place of service, and for large regional cooperative stores, which have also been added to the list of eligible merchants in recognition of their public service role.

But with such a large-scale rollout, concerns about security and fraud have also risen. The Financial Services Commission issued a stern warning: “Any text message, notification, or social media alert containing a direct URL link about the second phase coupons is 100% a scam.” According to the commission, there were 430 detected smishing (SMS phishing) attempts related to the first phase, and more are expected as the new phase ramps up. To counter this, government agencies, card companies, and local currency issuers have pledged not to send any coupon-related texts or notifications containing URLs. No banner links or app push functions will be used. Instead, citizens are encouraged to check their eligibility and apply only through official websites, apps, or call centers of the nine major credit card companies or the National Health Insurance Service.

If anyone receives a suspicious message or suspects their phone may be infected by malicious software, the Korea Internet & Security Agency’s 118 hotline operates around the clock to provide free support. Authorities, including the Financial Supervisory Service and the police, have also ramped up monitoring and pledged immediate investigations in case of reported incidents. This robust response reflects lessons learned from the first phase and the government’s determination to protect vulnerable populations from cybercrime.

Beyond security, the second phase brings a host of new support structures. The government has distributed QR code-based “Safe Full System Checklists” to public facilities, senior centers, and welfare organizations since August 2025. These checklists, available for download when viewing property registration documents, help citizens verify key information and avoid fraud—not just with coupon applications, but also in related areas like housing contracts. “We hope this integrated service will bring the checklist closer to those searching for rental homes and play a key role in reducing fraud,” stated the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport.

Special attention is being paid to elderly care workers, who are often the first line of support for seniors navigating these new systems. The government’s “On-Offline Care Worker Development” program, running through October 31, 2025, offers training and resources to help caregivers assist their clients in using the Soap Phone and related services. Regular inspections and monitoring are planned to ensure the system remains user-friendly and secure. The overarching goal is to enhance both safety and convenience for those who need it most.

The Soap Phone’s second phase also builds on feedback from the first. In that earlier round, the device’s basic functions—calling, check-in, and body card (a digital ID feature)—were widely used, but users wanted more comprehensive support and broader merchant acceptance. The new phase responds with expanded eligibility, more flexible payment options, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

All benefits must be used by November 30, 2025, or they will expire. This deadline encourages prompt participation and ensures that funds quickly circulate through local economies—a key aim of the program. According to government figures, the first phase distributed a staggering 9.0693 trillion won in benefits, demonstrating the scale of the intervention.

The second phase of the Minseok Meeting Soap Phone project is more than just a digital upgrade; it’s a lifeline for millions. By combining practical technology, robust security measures, and targeted support for the most vulnerable, the initiative is setting a new standard for inclusive public welfare in a rapidly changing world. As the lines at community centers attest, the appetite for such support is as strong as ever—and, for many, the Soap Phone is already making a difference in daily life.