Seodaemun-gu Wins Innovation Award at 'Korea Healthy Cities Awards'

Senior Health Management Linking Medical Care, Caregiving, and Prevention Earns Acclaim

Seoul's Seodaemun-gu (District Head Park Woonki) announced on November 2 that it had received the Innovation Award at the 2026 Korea Healthy Cities Awards, organized by the Korea Healthy Cities Partnership (KHCP), for its senior health management policy that integrates medical care, caregiving, prevention, and social participation.

District Mayor Park Ungi (center) and staff from relevant departments pose for a commemorative photo after receiving the Innovation Award at the 2026 Korea Healthy Cities Awards. Provided by Seodaemun-gu.

With the goal of becoming “A City Where Older Adults Stay Healthy and Generations Thrive Together,” the district has expanded its senior welfare services beyond disease treatment and protection to include prevention, independence, and social participation. Its approach considers older adults’ health not only in terms of medical services, but also caregiving, housing conditions, and social relationships.

At the heart of the effort is a tailored care system linking Seodaemun-style integrated care, Health and Longevity Centers, and a Home Medical Care Center. At the Health and Longevity Centers in two districts, teams of specialists—including doctors, nurses, and nutritionists—comprehensively assess older adults’ health and care needs. For those with limited mobility or requiring ongoing care, the district coordinates home visits in collaboration with the Home Medical Care Center. It also runs 11 specialized programs across four areas, including home visits by Korean medicine practitioners, oral health care, medication guidance, customized exercise at home, meal support, and improvements to living conditions.

The district has also strengthened preventive programs for older adults before their health deteriorates. Mini health lectures led by specialists from Severance Hospital have been held 14 times since 2025, with 1,194 participants and a satisfaction rating of 98.2%. During the same period, training on cardiopulmonary resuscitation, how to use automated external defibrillators, and the safe use of medicines was provided at 98 senior centers. In 2026, the district held 80 frailty-prevention program sessions at senior centers and community service centers, among other venues, with 973 participants.

Initiatives to promote social participation and interaction between generations are also underway. The district has linked senior employment programs with childcare, elementary school care, and forest ecology activities, and runs the “Empathy Workshop,” where older adults and young people take part together in cultural, artistic, and health activities.

District Head Park Woonki said, “A healthy later life is possible when people can receive the care they need where they live, maintain relationships with their neighbors, and preserve their daily routines. We will closely connect medical care, welfare, the environment, and interaction between generations to build a Seodaemun where older adults are not left without the health care and support they need.”

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