The initiative aims to improve accessibility to feminine hygiene products following criticism over high prices in the country. The trial is scheduled to run from July to December 2026, with potential nationwide expansion in 2027.
Thai PBS Verify found the news on: Facebook
Thai PBS Verify fact-checked a Facebook post by ‘Mouth Moi Korea (เม้าท์มอยเกาหลี)’ asserts that South Korea is set to pilot a free menstrual product initiative for all women in the country.
Translated from Thai, the post reads:
“The South Korean government is set to launch a pilot program providing free sanitary products to all women in the country.
“> The government has unveiled the ‘Dream Public Sanitary Pad’ pilot program, which aims to provide free menstrual products to all women. This initiative addresses growing concerns over high prices that have sparked widespread public debate.
“> From July to December, free sanitary pad dispensers will be installed in public spaces, including community centers, libraries, and public health facilities.
“> Starting with 10 pilot areas, the project is scheduled to expand nationwide in 2027.”
The post garnered 1,700 likes and 243 shares. It cited a report from Yonhap News with the headline: “‘생리대 모든 여성에 무상 제공…’공공생리대 그냥드림’ 시범사업 (Free Sanitary Pads for All Women… The Dream Public Sanitary Pad Pilot Program.)”
A post from the ‘Mouth Moi Korea’ Facebook page claims that the South Korean government is set to launch a pilot program providing free sanitary products to all South Korean women.
South Korea will launch a pilot program for free sanitary pads
Thai PBS Verify searched for the keywords ‘공공생리대 그냥드림 (Dream Public Sanitary Pad),’ referencing the Yonhap News report, it was found that details of this project had also been reported by several Korean news outlets, including MBC and YTN. They state that the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family presented the plan to expand free sanitary pad support during a Cabinet meeting on March 10, 2026.
The details are as follows:
The Ministry of Gender Equality and Family plans to launch the ‘Public Sanitary Pad Pilot Program’ (working title) from July to December this year. To address the issue of high costs for feminine hygiene products, the South Korean government is preparing this initiative to provide sanitary pads to all women in need, regardless of their income level.
Automated vending machines will be installed in public spaces to distribute sanitary pads directly. The pilot locations will be selected based on various factors, including population size, industrial structure and lifestyle patterns.
The project will be funded by a national budget of approximately three billion won. This year’s pilot phase will be fully financed by the central government, while local government funding will be allocated for the full-scale implementation starting next year (2027).
The ‘Dream Public Sanitary Pad’ pilot program has also been reported by other news outlets, such as MBC and YTN, consistent with the claims made in the post.
Upon reviewing the report details, it was found that the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family presented the project plan during a Cabinet meeting. The agenda was proposed by the Ministry, with Minister Won Min-kyung reporting directly to President Lee Jae Myung.
Thai PBS Verify reviewed the minutes of the 9th Cabinet meeting held on March 10, 2026. The key resolution highlights a plan to implement a female hygiene product support program. Proposed by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, this measure aims to expand public access to sanitary pads.
Based on the meeting minutes, it was confirmed that the project was indeed reported under the second agenda item.
The second agenda item of the 9th Cabinet meeting on March 10, 2026, confirms a key resolution regarding the female hygiene product support program.
A keyword search for the ‘9th Cabinet Meeting’ led to a live broadcast on the KTV channel. Following the meeting’s agenda, at the 59:07 mark, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Won Min-kyung is seen reporting to the Cabinet regarding the implementation of the ‘Public Sanitary Pad’ pilot program.
What are the details of the ‘Dream Public Sanitary Pad’ program?
The South Korean government is set to launch a public sanitary pad pilot program to enhance access to feminine hygiene products. This move follows a consistent rise in the consumption of premium goods, particularly eco-friendly and organic products, which have seen a sales increase of approximately 40%.
Data indicates that the average market price for sanitary pads is approximately 241 won per unit. Standard models average 216 won, while organic versions cost 290 won, and organic pads with natural fiber liners reach about 349 won per unit. In response, manufacturers and retailers are introducing more budget-friendly options to help alleviate the financial burden on consumers.
Source: KTV (Korea’s National Public Broadcaster)
Several retailers, including Coupang, Homeplus, Daiso, E-Mart and CU, have begun offering budget-friendly sanitary pads, with some priced as low as 100 won per unit or through periodic discount events. Meanwhile, major manufacturers like Yuhan-Kimberly, LG Unicharm and Kleannara plan to launch new mid-to-low-tier product lines.
Under the revised welfare plan for feminine hygiene products, the ‘Public Sanitary Pad Dream’ pilot project is set to launch. The program will expand its target group from low-income youth aged 9–24 to all women in need, regardless of income level. This initiative aims to close the accessibility gap and promote women’s health rights.
In addition to the current coupon system, the government plans to expand support by installing sanitary pad dispensers in public spaces. This will allow the public to access products directly, which is expected to enhance accessibility and contribute to lowering the average market price of sanitary pads.
Source: KTV (South Korea’s National Public Broadcaster)
For the pilot phase, approximately 10 local areas will be selected based on population size, industrial structure and lifestyle patterns. Product selection will also prioritize user satisfaction, focusing on factors such as comfort and absorption efficiency. The pilot project will run from July to December 2026. Data on accessibility and usage across various types of areas will be analyzed to refine and enhance the program’s efficiency before a full-scale rollout in 2027.
Sanitary pad dispensers will be installed across diverse locations, including community centers, welfare offices, libraries and public health clinics in residential areas. Coverage will also extend to industrial zones with high female workforces, as well as rural and remote areas—such as village halls and community cultural centers—to ensure more convenient access for all women.
Live broadcast of the cabinet meeting
The live broadcast of the Cabinet meeting on March 10, 2026, confirms that at the 59:07 mark, Minister of Gender Equality and Family Won Min-kyung officially reported on the ‘Public Sanitary Pad’ pilot project to the assembly.
How has the South Korean government provided support for sanitary pads so far?
Data presented during the Cabinet meeting indicates that the average price of a sanitary pad in South Korea currently ranges from 200 to 300 won (approximately 5–8 baht). A single pack costs between 11,000 and 28,000 won (300–760 baht), resulting in an average monthly expense of 450 to 760 baht for feminine hygiene products.
Previously, the government implemented support measures through a voucher system for young females from low-income families, aged 9 to 24. This initiative was designed to alleviate the financial burden of purchasing sanitary pads.
In 2025, The Korea Times reported that the Korea Fair Trade Commission (KFTC) had launched an investigation into the pricing of sanitary pads. This followed observations by President Lee Jae Myung, who noted that the cost of these products in South Korea is significantly higher than in other countries.
A 2023 report by the Korean Women’s Environmental Network indicates that sanitary pad prices in South Korea are approximately 40% higher than in other countries. The study compared 510 products sold in Korea with 69 items from 11 developed nations, including the United States and Japan.
What is the truth?
The reports regarding the South Korean government’s pilot project to install public sanitary pad dispensers are factual. This initiative, proposed by the Ministry of Gender Equality and Family to President Lee Jae Myung’s Cabinet, aims to enhance access to feminine hygiene products. The pilot program is scheduled to run from July to December 2026, with plans for a potential nationwide expansion in 2027.
Sources:
제9회 국무회의 브리핑 – สรุปการประชุมคณะรัฐมนตรีครั้งที่ 9 รัฐบาลอีแจมยอง
생리대 모든 여성에 무상 제공…’공공생리대 그냥드림’ 시범사업
Coupang’s sanitary pads sell out quickly amid heavy discounts
