Understanding how to access social support systems is crucial when living in or visiting Korea. This guide introduces the term 사회서비스원 (Sahoe Seobiseuwon), the Korean equivalent of a Social Service Agency or Center, and provides essential vocabulary and phrases for navigating related services. You’ll learn key terms, how to ask about support, and gain cultural insights into Korea’s social welfare system.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 사회서비스원
Pronunciation: sa-hoe-seo-bi-seu-won
Meaning: Social Service Agency / Social Service Center (Public institutions established to provide comprehensive social services and improve service quality)
Related Terms
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Expression: 사회복지
Pronunciation: sa-hoe-bok-ji
Meaning: Social welfare -
Expression: 돌봄 서비스
Pronunciation: dol-bom seo-bi-seu
Meaning: Care service (e.g., for elderly, children, disabled) -
Expression: 공공기관
Pronunciation: gong-gong-gi-gwan
Meaning: Public institution -
Expression: 지원
Pronunciation: ji-won
Meaning: Support, assistance -
Expression: 상담
Pronunciation: sang-dam
Meaning: Counseling, consultation -
Expression: 복지사
Pronunciation: bok-ji-sa
Meaning: Social worker -
Expression: 노인 복지
Pronunciation: no-in bok-ji
Meaning: Elderly welfare -
Expression: 장애인 복지
Pronunciation: jang-ae-in bok-ji
Meaning: Welfare for people with disabilities -
Expression: 아동 복지
Pronunciation: a-dong bok-ji
Meaning: Child welfare -
Expression: 서비스 신청
Pronunciation: seo-bi-seu sin-cheong
Meaning: Service application -
Expression: 긴급 지원
Pronunciation: gin-geup ji-won
Meaning: Emergency support -
Expression: 수급 자격
Pronunciation: su-geup ja-gyeok
Meaning: Eligibility (for benefits/services)
Korean Expressions
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Expression: 사회서비스원에 연락해 보세요.
Pronunciation: sa-hoe-seo-bi-seu-won-e yeol-lak-hae bo-se-yo.
Meaning: Try contacting the Social Service Agency. -
Expression: 사회서비스원에서 돌봄 서비스를 제공합니다.
Pronunciation: sa-hoe-seo-bi-seu-won-e-seo dol-bom seo-bi-seu-reul je-gong-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: The Social Service Agency provides care services. -
Expression: 사회서비스원 위치가 어디인가요?
Pronunciation: sa-hoe-seo-bi-seu-won wi-chi-ga eo-di-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: Where is the Social Service Agency located? -
Expression: 사회서비스원에 가서 상담을 받았습니다.
Pronunciation: sa-hoe-seo-bi-seu-won-e ga-seo sang-dam-eul bad-at-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I went to the Social Service Agency and received counseling. -
Expression: 이 지역 사회서비스원은 어떤 서비스를 지원하나요?
Pronunciation: i ji-yeok sa-hoe-seo-bi-seu-won-eun eo-tteon seo-bi-seu-reul ji-won-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What services does this local Social Service Agency support? -
Expression: 사회서비스원을 통해 필요한 도움을 받을 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: sa-hoe-seo-bi-seu-won-eul tong-hae pil-yo-han do-um-eul bad-eul su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: You can receive necessary help through the Social Service Agency. -
Expression: 사회서비스원 직원들은 매우 친절합니다.
Pronunciation: sa-hoe-seo-bi-seu-won jik-won-deul-eun mae-u chin-jeol-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: The staff at the Social Service Agency are very kind. -
Expression: 사회서비스원 이용 방법을 알고 싶어요.
Pronunciation: sa-hoe-seo-bi-seu-won i-yong bang-beob-eul al-go sip-eo-yo.
Meaning: I want to know how to use the Social Service Agency. -
Expression: 정부에서 사회서비스원을 설립했습니다.
Pronunciation: jeong-bu-e-seo sa-hoe-seo-bi-seu-won-eul seol-lip-haet-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: The government established the Social Service Agency. -
Expression: 사회서비스원 홈페이지에서 정보를 찾아보세요.
Pronunciation: sa-hoe-seo-bi-seu-won hom-pe-i-ji-e-seo jeong-bo-reul chaj-a-bo-se-yo.
Meaning: Look for information on the Social Service Agency’s website. -
Expression: 우리 동네 사회서비스원은 새로 생겼어요.
Pronunciation: u-ri dong-ne sa-hoe-seo-bi-seu-won-eun sae-ro saeng-gyeot-seo-yo.
Meaning: The Social Service Agency in our neighborhood is newly established.
Asking About Services
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Expression: 어떤 종류의 사회 서비스를 제공하나요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui sa-hoe seo-bi-seu-reul je-gong-ha-na-yo?
Meaning: What kinds of social services do you provide? -
Expression: 돌봄 서비스 신청은 어떻게 하나요?
Pronunciation: dol-bom seo-bi-seu sin-cheong-eun eo-tteo-ke ha-na-yo?
Meaning: How do I apply for care services? -
Expression: 상담을 받고 싶은데 예약해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: sang-dam-eul bat-go sip-eun-de ye-yak-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: I’d like to receive counseling, do I need to make an appointment? -
Expression: 긴급 지원이 필요한데 어디로 연락해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: gin-geup ji-won-i pil-yo-han-de eo-di-ro yeol-lak-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: I need emergency support, where should I contact? -
Expression: 노인 복지 서비스에 대해 문의하고 싶습니다.
Pronunciation: no-in bok-ji seo-bi-seu-e dae-hae mun-ui-ha-go sip-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I would like to inquire about elderly welfare services. -
Expression: 장애인 지원 프로그램이 있나요?
Pronunciation: jang-ae-in ji-won peu-ro-geu-raem-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: Are there support programs for people with disabilities? -
Expression: 아동 관련 지원은 어떤 것이 있나요?
Pronunciation: a-dong gwal-lyeon ji-won-eun eo-tteon geos-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: What kind of child-related support is available? -
Expression: 서비스 이용 자격 조건이 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: seo-bi-seu i-yong ja-gyeok jo-geon-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What are the eligibility requirements for using the services? -
Expression: 필요한 서류가 무엇인가요?
Pronunciation: pil-yo-han seo-ryu-ga mu-eos-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: What documents are required? -
Expression: 운영 시간이 어떻게 되나요?
Pronunciation: un-yeong si-gan-i eo-tteo-ke doe-na-yo?
Meaning: What are the operating hours? -
Expression: 가장 가까운 사회서비스원이 어디에 있나요?
Pronunciation: ga-jang ga-kka-un sa-hoe-seo-bi-seu-won-i eo-di-e it-na-yo?
Meaning: Where is the nearest Social Service Agency? -
Expression: 외국인도 서비스를 이용할 수 있나요?
Pronunciation: oe-guk-in-do seo-bi-seu-reul i-yong-hal su it-na-yo?
Meaning: Can foreigners also use the services?
Cultural Tips
The 사회서비스원 (Sahoe Seobiseuwon) is a relatively recent type of public institution in Korea, established by regional governments (like Seoul, Gyeonggi-do, etc.) starting around 2019. Their primary goals are to directly provide essential social services (especially care services), improve the quality and public accountability of these services, and enhance the working conditions for care workers.
These agencies often consolidate or coordinate various social services that might have previously been scattered across different providers. They focus particularly on areas like elderly care, disability support, and childcare services, aiming for a more integrated approach.
While the 사회서비스원 represents a move towards more public provision, many social welfare services in Korea are still delivered through a mix of public, private non-profit, and religious organizations. Eligibility for specific services often depends on factors like income level, age, disability status, or family situation.
For general inquiries or initial applications related to welfare, the local 주민센터 (Jumin Senteo – Community Service Center, formerly 동사무소 Dongsamuso) often serves as the first point of contact. They can provide basic information and guide individuals to the appropriate agency, which might be the 사회서비스원 or another specialized welfare center.
Understanding the role of the 사회서비스원 is becoming increasingly important due to Korea’s rapidly aging population and the growing need for robust social safety nets and care infrastructure.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: Minji is calling the local Social Service Agency to inquire about care services for her elderly mother.
Roles: A: 민지 (Minji), B: 사회서비스원 직원 (Sahoe Seobiseuwon Jikwon – Staff)
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Expression: A: 여보세요, 거기 사회서비스원 맞나요?
Pronunciation: yeo-bo-se-yo, geo-gi sa-hoe-seo-bi-seu-won mat-na-yo?
Meaning: A: Hello, is this the Social Service Agency? -
Expression: B: 네, 맞습니다. 무엇을 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, mat-seum-ni-da. mu-eos-eul do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, it is. How may I help you? -
Expression: A: 저희 어머니께서 연세가 많으셔서 돌봄 서비스에 대해 문의하려고 전화드렸습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui eo-meo-ni-kke-seo yeon-se-ga man-eu-syeo-seo dol-bom seo-bi-seu-e dae-hae mun-ui-ha-ryeo-go jeon-hwa-deu-ryeot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: My mother is elderly, so I’m calling to inquire about care services. -
Expression: B: 네, 저희가 노인 돌봄 서비스를 제공하고 있습니다. 혹시 어떤 종류의 도움이 필요하신가요?
Pronunciation: ne, jeo-hui-ga no-in dol-bom seo-bi-seu-reul je-gong-ha-go it-seum-ni-da. hok-si eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui do-um-i pil-yo-ha-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, we provide elderly care services. What kind of help do you specifically need? -
Expression: A: 혼자 식사 준비나 가사일이 좀 힘드셔서요. 방문 요양 서비스 같은 것이 있나요?
Pronunciation: hon-ja sik-sa jun-bi-na ga-sa-il-i jom him-deu-syeo-seo-yo. bang-mun yo-yang seo-bi-seu gat-eun geos-i it-na-yo?
Meaning: A: She has some difficulty preparing meals and doing housework alone. Do you have something like in-home care services? -
Expression: B: 네, 방문 요양 서비스가 있습니다. 서비스 신청 자격과 절차에 대해 안내해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ne, bang-mun yo-yang seo-bi-seu-ga it-seum-ni-da. seo-bi-seu sin-cheong ja-gyeok-gwa jeol-cha-e dae-hae an-nae-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: B: Yes, we have in-home care services. Shall I guide you through the eligibility requirements and application process? -
Expression: A: 네, 부탁드립니다. 필요한 서류도 알려주시면 감사하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, bu-tak-deu-rim-ni-da. pil-yo-han seo-ryu-do al-lyeo-ju-si-myeon gam-sa-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Yes, please. I would also appreciate it if you could tell me the necessary documents. -
Expression: B: 알겠습니다. 먼저 어머님의 건강 상태와 소득 수준 등을 확인해야 합니다…
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. meon-jeo eo-meo-nim-ui geon-gang sang-tae-wa so-deuk su-jun deung-eul hwak-in-hae-ya ham-ni-da…
Meaning: B: Understood. First, we need to check your mother’s health condition and income level…
Practice Tips
Navigating social services can seem complex, but knowing the term 사회서비스원 and related vocabulary is a great start! Try familiarizing yourself with the phrases for asking about specific services like 돌봄 서비스 (dol-bom seo-bi-seu) or 상담 (sang-dam)~ If you are in Korea, you could try searching for the 사회서비스원 in your city or province online to see what specific programs they offer. Practice asking the questions aloud to build confidence. Fighting! 화이팅!
