Gangseo-gu in Seoul (Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon) began accepting applications on July 20 for its “Love PC” program, which provides refurbished computers free of charge to residents facing barriers to digital access. Under the program, the district refurbishes computers it has used for office work that have passed the five-year service life set by the Public Procurement Service, then delivers them to basic livelihood security recipients, people with disabilities and social welfare organizations. The initiative is aimed at both narrowing the digital divide and recycling resources. Applications will be accepted until the available supply runs out.
 [코리안투데이] Promotional material for the free ‘Love PC’ distribution program-2 © 송정숙 기자 |
The program is not a one-off event. Between 2023 and last year, the district delivered 374 desktop units and 368 monitors to neighbors in need. It draws on the steady annual turnover of aging administrative equipment, redirecting devices otherwise headed for disposal to households that need them.
The obvious question with any secondhand machine is performance. The district said the computers being distributed this time have been fitted with new solid-state drives (SSDs), and that peripherals including keyboards, mice and cables have also been replaced. Hancom Office 2024 comes preinstalled for everyday tasks such as document work. According to the district, the goal is for recipients to be able to handle paperwork or online coursework as soon as the machine arrives.
Eligible recipients include basic livelihood security recipients, people with disabilities, social welfare organizations and other residents with limited access to digital resources. Applicants may apply in person at the Smart Information Division on the sixth floor of the Gangseo-gu Office main building or at their neighborhood community service center, or submit an application by fax at 02-2620-0555. Required documents are listed on the district website under “Communication and Participation > Sharing and Volunteering > Love PC.”
After verifying that applicants meet the eligibility requirements, district staff visit each household to install the computer in person. The step takes into account older residents and households with disabilities who may struggle with cabling and setup even after receiving a device. Free repair service is also provided for two years after installation — follow-up support intended to address a common shortcoming of refurbished equipment, which is often left unused once it breaks down.
The district also conducts satisfaction surveys after installation, with plans to incorporate user feedback and suggested improvements into future operations. Behind the program lies the recognition that as everything from public service applications to education and banking has moved online, whether a household owns a device increasingly translates into a gap in daily life.
“This program has a twofold effect: it helps ensure no neighbor is left behind in the digital world, while also recycling resources,” Gangseo-gu Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon said. “We will continue to do our utmost to close the digital divide for our residents.” For more information, contact the Smart Information Division at the Gangseo-gu Office (☎02-2600-6563).
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