| Keywords |
Energy welfare; Building energy efficiency improvement; Policy paradigm shift; FGI |
| Abstract |
This study analyzes Korea’s energy welfare policy, which remains focused on financial support while advanced countries transition to building energy efficiency improvements, and proposes transformation strategies to align energy poverty alleviation with carbon neutrality goals. Budget analysis (2020-2024) and Focus Group Interviews with 11 stakeholders?policy experts, field practitioners, and beneficiaries?were conducted from March to May 2025 to examine policy limitations and identify transformation pathways. Results revealed four critical barriers: unsustainable cost-support approach with 86.4% budget allocation to vouchers versus 13.6% to efficiency improvements, rigid eligibility criteria creating policy blind spots, high initial investment costs and rental market structural dilemmas, and fragmented governance across ministries. Participants unanimously recognized the need for efficiency-centered transformation, proposing innovative solutions including green financing, climate justice funds, and participatory cooperatives. The research identifies that Korea requires a fundamental paradigm shift from temporary relief to systematic solutions through progressive inclusive transition, IoT-based monitoring systems for evidence-based policy design, integrated governance frameworks, and community-led participatory models. This integrated approaches would establish Korea as a pioneer in simultaneously addressing energy poverty and achieving carbon neutrality through building energy efficiency improvements. |