Pohang holds the 27th Social Welfare Day ceremony and the 5th Pohang Welfare Expo at Hanteomadang in Pohang Rail Park on Thursday. [Provided by Pohang city]
Pohang holds the 27th Social Welfare Day ceremony and the 5th Pohang Welfare Expo at Hanteomadang in Pohang Rail Park on Thursday. [Provided by Pohang city]

Pohang in North Gyeongsang Province held the 27th Social Welfare Day ceremony and the 5th Pohang Welfare Expo at Hanteomadang in Pohang Rail Park on Thursday.

Organized by the city and hosted by the Pohang Social Welfare Council, the event drew about 1,000 attendees, including Pohang Deputy Mayor Bae Yong-su, Pohang City Council Deputy Speaker Jo Min-seong, North Gyeongsang Provincial Assembly Speaker Kim Hee-su, social welfare workers and residents.

This year's expo, held under the slogan "Close to citizens! A definite improvement in quality of life! All Good Pohang Welfare!", featured 31 organizations and groups — more than 10 more than last year — spanning welfare fields covering services for the elderly, people with disabilities, children, youth and women, as well as related agencies in employment, crime prevention and national health insurance.

At the ceremony, 24 individuals who contributed to advancing social welfare in the community received commendations, and the city recognized the dedication of welfare workers who have quietly served on the front lines.

Celebratory performances featured Lumiere Ensemble, a string ensemble of musicians with disabilities; Hyeon Song, a singer who appeared on Miss Trot 4; Sweet Melody Choir, made up of Pohang elementary school students; and local high school dance teams Able and Gogojanggu.

"I want to express my gratitude to the social welfare workers who are quietly doing their best behind the scenes," Deputy Mayor Bae said. "We will do our utmost to deliver seamless welfare services and raise residents' sense of satisfaction with the city's welfare programs."


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