Free Phone Calls, Faxes, E-mail available at Ward Offices

Ward offices around Seoul have opened their telephones, facsimile machines, and computers to the public, free of charge.

According to city officials, around 200 to 300 people a day are visiting ward offices to use these services.

Though telephones can only be used for local calls, faxes can be sent to long-distance numbers. Photocopy machines are available for use by the public, to a maximum of 5 sheets of paper per person.

Government offices around Kwangjin district, including a public service center in Gundae Subway Station, have intalled international telephone services through the Internet. The service only offers calls to Canada and the U.S., but is expected to expand to Europe in the near future.

Kangbuk district will follow suit by launching their own international telephone service from April 10 in 20 locations, such as ward offices and public health clinics.

Songdong district will offer free e-mail for the public, to be available through their homepage. Mapo and Songbuk ward offices already offer this service.

by Yang Yong-yu