[Life Act 3 Companies] Give an Outing Gift... Senior Customized Travel 'Popeoreonteu'

'Buddy' Composed of Social Workers, Caregivers, and University Students
Helping the Elderly Enjoy Healthy Outings
"We Must Not Neglect Elderly Issues... Society Should Be Free of Prejudice"

Jang Jun-pyo, CEO of Poparents. / Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] "How can we solve the isolation problem of the elderly?"

Established in April this year, 'For Parents' found the answer to this question in 'travel.' Jang Junpyo, CEO (28), who spent a lot of time with his grandparents during childhood, felt sorry that his grandfather, who was an 'original camping enthusiast,' could no longer travel frequently as he aged. When he was young, he traveled all over the country holding his grandparents' hands, but as time passed, his grandfather voluntarily surrendered his driver's license, and Jang himself became busier with life, making it even harder to travel together. Therefore, Jang hoped that someone reliable would provide travel services for the senior generation, which became the foundation for starting his business. For Parents currently offers premium outing services for seniors so that the elderly can enjoy their later years healthily.

Since the company was started for the elderly, the affection for seniors was evident throughout the For Parents office located in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul. Colorful post-it notes on one wall had keywords like 'empathy,' 'communication,' 'memories,' and 'cheerful,' and a whiteboard standing next to the entrance had the phrase 'Only for the elderly!' written on it.

CEO Jang said, "One of the activities that elderly people most want to do but cannot is travel," adding, "We care for the senior generation through 'Buddies,' composed of social workers, caregivers, and university students, to bring them joy." Buddies take full responsibility for the entire process, including pick-up, guidance, ticketing, and on-site schedule management, so the selection process is strict. Candidates must go through personality interviews, theoretical training, and outing accompaniment practice. Those selected wear pink uniforms. Initially, they wanted to use blue to inspire trust, but since grandmothers liked pink the most, the uniform color was changed to pink.

The outing courses with Buddies are also diverse. From domestic destinations like Gangneung in Gangwon-do and Jeju Island to overseas destinations such as Japan, various options are available to suit preferences. Outing courses also change seasonally, and customized courses are offered upon customer request. CEO Jang said, "If a parent liked Andong in Gyeongbuk when they were young, we plan travel courses centered around the Andong area."

Jang Jun-pyo, CEO of Poparents. / Photo by Dongju Yoon doso7@

CEO Jang insists on on-site inspections when deciding outing courses. After visiting the site personally and determining that it can leave good memories for the elderly, the course is finalized. The most popular course currently is the 'Blue House Tour,' where participants can visit the main building and Sarangchae of the Blue House. Jang said, "It started as a half-day outing course, but due to high demand for long-distance travel, the duration gradually increased from half a day to one night two days, and then two nights three days," adding, "Many children seem to feel burdened by fully caring for their elderly parents during long-distance trips."

Since the service targets the elderly, the average customer age is in their 80s. More than 300 elderly people have been met since April. Jang said, "When we started the business, we worried about how often they would travel, but some customers have used the service four times," adding, "A 96-year-old grandmother also used our service."

Jang hopes that Buddies can play the role of friends to the elderly. He said, "No matter how grand and clean the space is, without emotional fulfillment, only emptiness remains," adding, "We hope that elderly people can have fun times with Buddies even without going to silver towns."

Below is a Q&A.

- The distinguishing feature from existing package tours seems to be the 'Buddy.'

▲ Yes. Buddies mainly consist of social workers, caregivers, and university students, currently about 30 people. With the expertise of social workers and caregivers, we can provide more systematic care for the elderly and strive to offer emotional intimacy as well. We also have a manual for Buddies, detailing how to care for the elderly. For example, preparing warm water instead of cold water at restaurants, maintaining appropriate temperature inside vehicles, and how to assist elderly people when boarding and alighting vehicles. We believe professionalism arises from such small details.

- Are Buddies matched differently according to the health condition and personality of the senior generation?

▲ Each elderly person inevitably has different health conditions and preferences. For example, if someone in their early 80s is very active and healthy, we do not need to dispatch a caregiver Buddy. Instead, sending a university student Buddy to bring vitality would give this elderly person greater joy. We consider these various factors when dispatching Buddies.

- It must be difficult to plan outing courses for the elderly.

▲ It takes a lot of effort because on-site inspections are a principle. However, since we collect popular courses for the senior generation in advance and then conduct on-site inspections, it is relatively easier. My personal experience also helped. After becoming an adult, I traveled nationwide with my grandparents who loved traveling. Through this, I gained know-how about elderly travel. Especially, my grandmother had diabetes, requiring special care. The things I needed to take care of my grandparents were applied to our business, and these experiences built my confidence in the business.

- What are the shortcomings of existing filial piety tourism products from travel agencies?

▲ Generally, so-called 'filial piety tours' focus on travel destinations. They travel mainly to natural sceneries that satisfy the elderly rather than experiences. In contrast, we value travel content but prioritize people the most. One reason elderly customers reuse our service is because of the Buddies. Many elderly people travel according to the Buddy's schedule. Reflecting on my experience, where you went and what you did is important, but who you were with remains more memorable. Therefore, we focus on allowing the elderly to build memories with Buddies rather than guides leading multiple elderly people. We also emphasize content where they can experience and create something together.

- What kind of country is good for the senior generation to live in?

▲ Our society still has widespread prejudice against the elderly. Fundamentally, a society without prejudice against the elderly is a good country for seniors to live in. Opportunities for social participation of the elderly are also important. Even when older, conditions should be provided to feel a sense of accomplishment through work. South Korea has the highest elderly suicide rate among OECD countries. About ten years ago, many elderly people made extreme choices due to economic difficulties, but recently, the proportion of those making extreme choices due to loneliness, boredom, and isolation has increased. Ultimately, solving livelihood issues does not resolve the depression problems of the elderly. It is frustrating that although the senior generation was a driving force in our society's development, they are neglected because their lives are considered to be limited in time.