South Korea is preparing a nationwide pilot program to provide free sanitary pads through public facilities starting July 2026. The initiative, announced by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, will run until December 2026 before potentially becoming a permanent policy in 2027.
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| South Korea to Launch Free Sanitary Pad Pilot |
🚺 How will the program work?
The system will mainly rely on free vending machines placed in public spaces, allowing women to access menstrual products quickly and privately.
The program is designed to:
✔️ Offer immediate access without paperwork
✔️ Reduce embarrassment or stigma when requesting products
✔️ Make distribution simple and scalable nationwide
In some locations, direct product placement may also be used alongside vending machines if necessary.
🏛️ Government and Local Roles
The program will be run through cooperation between the central government and local governments:
• Central government: Selects approved sanitary products that meet safety and quality standards and negotiates supply contracts.
• Local governments: Install and manage the machines in public facilities and handle local promotion.
The government plans to allocate about ₩3 billion (around $2.2 million) in 2026 to fully fund the pilot program. If successful, a full nationwide program in 2027 may include cost-sharing with local governments.
🌍 A Policy Already Seen Abroad
President Lee Jae-myung noted that similar systems already exist internationally.
For example:
• Scotland became the first country in the world to provide free menstrual products in public facilities in 2020.
• In the United States, at least 12 states and Washington D.C. provide free menstrual products in schools and public institutions.
💡 Why the policy matters
Officials believe providing menstrual products in public spaces can help close gaps in access, especially for those who may not qualify for vouchers or assistance programs.
The policy also emphasizes that menstrual products are essential health necessities, while helping reduce financial pressure amid rising living costs.
🔎 What to watch next
Since this is a pilot program, more details will be announced soon, including:
• The cities and public facilities selected
• How the machines will operate (limits per use or per day)
• Whether any verification system will be required
If the pilot proves successful, South Korea could join a growing number of countries recognizing menstrual products as an essential public service.