From Emergency Medical Care to Culture and Transportation... Why Affluent Retirees Choose VL Le West

Salon de VL by VL Le West

For a long time, rural retirement communities in tranquil suburban areas have been seen as the most representative form of retirement housing. However, recently, there has been a rapid increase in demand for living in urban areas equipped with robust medical, transportation, and cultural infrastructure. This shift is driven by the rise of the “Urban Senior,” retirees who wish to maintain their existing living environment and personal networks after retirement. Interest in urban senior residences is growing not only among financially secure retirees but also among members of the 40- and 50-something generations who are considering their parents’ retirement housing.

In this context, on August 22, a video titled “The Real Reason Successful People Insist on Living in the City After Retirement,” featuring the premium senior residence ‘VL Le West’ in Magok District, Gangseo-gu, Seoul, was released through the YouTube channel operated by former KBS anchor Soobin Cho, generating significant attention. The video highlighted the shift in senior living culture by exploring why affluent retirees are choosing urban-type residences over rural ones, dividing the reasons into three main pillars: medical care, relationships, and mobility.

From medical care to emergency response within the complex... 24/7 on-site professional staff

As people age, access to medical services becomes a top priority when choosing a place to live. The residences are equipped with advanced safety systems to handle emergencies. Radar sensors installed in each bedroom and bathroom detect abnormal signs such as falls or prolonged inactivity and immediately send signals to the disaster response center and health management center. Likewise, pressing an emergency bell located in common areas sends an alert in the same way. Once an alert is received, nurses and security staff respond to the household, and, if necessary, provide first aid until emergency services arrive after contacting 119. Professional staff are stationed on-site around the clock.

Everyday health management also takes place within the complex. The first-floor health management center provides consultations on health, nutrition, and exercise, as well as support with health checkups, lifestyle management, and outpatient appointment scheduling, with multiple nurses on staff. The multi-care center on basement level two offers physical function assessments and customized exercise programs for each resident. The on-site Bobath Clinic provides family medicine, neurology, and rehabilitation services, while annual health screenings are supported through a partnership with Ewha Womans University Seoul Hospital.

Maintaining connections and culture... Four free courses per month

The issue of social isolation found in rural facilities is another reason for the shift to urban living. Urban access is crucial for continuing long-established social networks, business activities, and participation in culture and leisure. This residence offers monthly cultural courses, allowing residents to attend four free classes each month. The curriculum is broad—from humanities and foreign languages (Japanese and English), IT skills, to oil painting, watercolor, calligraphy, classical guitar, singing, line dance, couple’s waltz, billiards, and stretching. Classical music salons and book salons are regularly held as well.

The complex features an extra-large resident community space known as “Salon de VL,” along with an atelier, cinema room, book lounge, IT studio, karaoke practice rooms, billiard hall, and greenhouse. The VL Wellness Club is equipped with a fitness center, sauna, golf driving range, putting lounge, GX room, and pilates studio, all staffed by professional trainers. There is also a “Walking Crew Program,” where nurses and residents walk together in the nearby Seoul Botanic Park.

Triple subway access and the airport railroad... Easy visits from children and grandchildren

Freedom of mobility is another key reason for choosing an urban residence. The complex benefits from triple subway access via Magok Station on Line 5 and Magongnaru Station, which serves Line 9 and the Airport Railroad Express (AREX). The two stations are directly connected to the complex by underground walkways, so residents can access the subway without going outside. With Line 9, traveling to the Gangnam area is easy, and the Airport Railroad provides convenient access to both Gimpo International Airport and Incheon International Airport, significantly reducing the burden of travel planning. The convenient transportation environment also makes it easier for children and grandchildren to visit without hassle.

Such surroundings are rare in most urban areas. The complex’s pathways are directly connected to the Seoul Botanic Park, which covers 500,000 square meters, making daily walks convenient. Behind the complex lies the Magok MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) Complex, as well as IT companies and commercial areas, so exhibitions, shopping, and cultural facilities are all within easy reach.

As such, the activity range of urban-type senior residences is not limited to within the complex. When environments are provided that allow residents to continue using their preferred hospitals, cultural venues, and commercial facilities, it can help minimize lifestyle changes even after retirement.

Lotte Hotels & Resorts supports operations... Reducing the burden of cleaning and meals

Lotte Hotels & Resorts provides operational support for living services, which also supports the choice for an urban residence. Twice a week, professional staff visit to perform housekeeping duties such as cleaning living spaces and collecting garbage. A wide range of concierge services are also offered, including lifestyle guidance, storage management, and assistance with various reservations. As a result, residents can greatly reduce the time and effort required to manage a spacious home by themselves and enjoy a more relaxed daily life. Additional benefits include privileges such as Lotte Hotel Rewards Gold membership, discounts at Lotte Resorts and Lotte Skyhill Country Club, enabling residents to fully utilize Lotte’s infrastructure for leisure activities like travel or golf, even outside the complex. In the restaurant, a professional nutritionist plans low-sugar and low-sodium healthy meals as the standard, while special menus for anniversaries and simple meals are also available, allowing each resident to enjoy a diet that suits their preferences.

VL Le West is located at Magokjungang 3-ro in Gangseo-gu, Seoul, with immediate move-in available after contract signing. Visitors can receive detailed information by type by making a reservation in advance, and guided on-site tours are also provided.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.