Gwangjin District Dementia Safety Center Receives Minister of Health and Welfare Commendation for Fourth Time

Awareness-raising achievements include "Gieok Dabang," with people with mild dementia taking part.

The Gwangjin District Dementia Safety Center in Seoul, headed by District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho, received the group award for an outstanding dementia program from the Ministry of Health and Welfare to mark 2026 Dementia Overcoming Day, the district said on the 14th. Since first receiving the award in 2013, the district has received a commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare four times, including in 2018 and 2022 and this year.

Kim Kyung-ho, mayor of Gwangjin-gu, attends an event marking Dementia Overcoming Day. Provided by Gwangjin-gu.

The district has consistently provided dementia prevention education, run awareness campaigns, surveyed residents on their awareness of dementia, and conducted online and offline promotions. On September 11, it held a health lecture attended by 320 residents to mark the 19th Dementia Overcoming Day, which falls on September 21. Han Seol-hee, an advisory professor of neurology at Konkuk University who was the first director of the Gwangjin District Dementia Safety Center, drew a positive response by clearly explaining preventive measures people can practice in daily life and the latest treatment information.

On October 1, to mark Senior Citizens' Day, the district ran an awareness campaign for about 400 residents at the "9988 Happy Together" event held by the Gwangjin Senior Welfare Center. In particular, it operated "Gieok Dabang," where people with mild dementia served drinks directly to residents, conveying the message that people with dementia also have a role in the community and are neighbors who live alongside others. Pledges to improve dementia awareness and an awareness survey were also conducted at the event.

District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho said, "This award is the result of the joint efforts of local residents, partner organizations and the Dementia Safety Center. We will build a comprehensive community-based dementia care system, from prevention and early screening to care and awareness improvement, and make Gwangjin a district where people can live with peace of mind even if they have dementia."

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