Seoul gov’t streamlines issuances of certificates

The Seoul Metropolitan Government yesterday announced a plan to facilitate the efficient submission of city and family documents by integrating divisions in charge of handling different files.

The initiative, set to come into effect in June, is aimed at enabling citizens to locate several related files at once in one place. “The new system will save money on paper, printing and storage costs. Overall, it makes for a more efficient, modern system,” Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon said yesterday. “We expect the system to spare the city about 270 billion won [253.1 million] over 10 years.”

The application of child care benefits and birth registration will be handled in district offices.

The move will also simplify the filing process when seniors or the disabled lose their government-funded transportation cards, according to the Seoul city government. Under the new plan, they will be able to report the loss and then pay fees for the missing cards at community centers. Those who lost their cards are currently required to pay the fees at banks.

Additionally, residents to locate submissions for state-funded in-home care services and applications to public day care online or via telephone.

Disabled persons in a lower income bracket will also be allowed to register for the home welfare service via telephone.

In order to reduce unnecessary visits to district offices and community centers, the city will relocate automatic machines that issue civil affair documents. They will be located at places like hospitals or big supermarket chains to increase public access.

BY PARK EUN-JEE [ejpark@joongang.co.kr]