New Construction of Songpa-gu Senior Welfare Center

Specialized Floor Layout Including Informatization and Certification Courses in Basement 1 and Basement 4 at 136 Munjeong-dong

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) has embarked on expanding the ‘Senior Comprehensive Welfare Center’ to support elderly leisure and welfare in response to the accelerating aging population.

As of the end of May, the elderly population in the district reached 94,575, the highest among Seoul’s 25 autonomous districts.

The current Songpa Senior Comprehensive Welfare Center located in Samjeon-dong, opened in 1996, provides a variety of services ranging from cultural and artistic activities for seniors to employment counseling, but it is limited in meeting the increasing demand for elderly welfare.

Accordingly, the district plans to establish an additional Senior Comprehensive Welfare Center in the area of 136 Munjeong-dong. The facility will have a total floor area of 4,282㎡, with one basement floor and four above-ground floors, and will be constructed through a donation as part of the ‘Reconstruction and Redevelopment Project of Detached Houses in the Area of 136 Munjeong-dong.’

In particular, the district will organize specialized spaces on each floor considering the diversified welfare needs of the elderly. The 4th floor will be dedicated to education and learning spaces, while the 3rd floor will serve as an informatization and emotional space. Equipped with VR devices and single-person media broadcasting booths, programs aimed at bridging the information gap for seniors, such as AI cognitive ability enhancement programs and informatization technology education, will be operated.

Additionally, various certification courses and job placement projects for economic activities after retirement will also be offered.

The 2nd floor will house various indoor sports facilities, and the 1st floor will include rest facilities such as a restaurant and caf?.

The district completed the basic design in early June and plans to proceed with detailed design within the year, aiming to start construction in the first half of 2022 and open the center in early 2023.

Furthermore, the district opened the Songpa Integrated Home Long-term Care Center in Jangji-dong on May 10 and is working on expanding facilities to enhance elderly welfare, including the reconstruction of Dolmari Senior Citizens’ Center in Seokchon-dong.

Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, “As we enter a super-aged society, various welfare facilities must be expanded to improve the quality of life in old age. We will do our best to establish the Munjeong-dong Senior Comprehensive Welfare Center as a leading elderly welfare facility in Seoul that supports the healthy and vibrant later years of Songpa-gu’s seniors.”