Seocho-gu, WHO Age-Friendly City Re-Certification

Continued Implementation of 64 Detailed Tasks Across 8 Areas in the '2nd Phase Age-Friendly City Action Plan' Alongside Re-Certification

Perspective view of Seocho-type Complex Town

Seocho-gu (Mayor Jeon Seong-su) successfully rejoined the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (2nd term) on the 16th. With this, the district will maintain its qualification until 2027.

This re-certification of Seocho-gu’s membership in the Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities recognizes internationally that the district continuously acknowledges various social issues related to (super) aging and strives to resolve them.

Previously, Seocho-gu first joined the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities in 2020 and successfully completed the 1st term Age-friendly City Action Plan, which consisted of 63 detailed projects across 8 major areas, by last year.

According to Statistics Korea, as of July this year, the population aged 65 and over in South Korea is 18.5%, and it is predicted to enter a super-aged society by the end of 2024 to early 2025.

In response, Seocho-gu established the 2nd term Age-friendly City Action Plan this month based on the achievements of the 1st term to actively cope with social and environmental changes caused by rapid aging, submitted the re-certification application to WHO, and succeeded in re-certification.

The 2nd term Age-friendly City Action Plan envisions “Seocho, where aging is joyful” and includes a total of 64 detailed tasks across 8 major areas: external environment and facilities, convenience of transportation, stability of residential environment, leisure and social activities, respect and social integration, among others.

Among the action plan items, the construction of the nation’s largest senior complex welfare town, Seocho-type dementia prevention and management projects for families of dementia patients, smart senior projects incorporating 4th Industrial Revolution technologies, and the nation’s top-level metabolic syndrome management projects received high praise from international network officials for building services and infrastructure that allow seniors to be respected and live vibrant lives.

In particular, the “Seocho-type Complex Welfare Town” attracted attention as an advanced senior welfare facility that gathers elderly care facilities, health centers, and senior-exclusive sports and cultural facilities in one place. The architectural design process is underway with a goal of completion by 2027.

Additionally, since May, Seocho-gu has been operating the “Cognitive Screening Test Based on Brain Oxygen Saturation Measurement” for residents aged 60 and over, the first among Seoul’s autonomous districts. Using newly introduced brain imaging devices and testing programs, the accuracy of dementia screening is being improved. Furthermore, efforts continue to create dementia-friendly environments, including the nation’s first customized model house with residential environment design applied, “Seocho Dementia Safety House,” established in 2017, and designation of three dementia-safe villages.

Moreover, Seocho-gu operates metabolic syndrome management services at the highest national level to support preventive health care for chronic diseases. The target age group has been significantly expanded from 64 to 84 years old. Services include “Smart Mirror 1:1 Customized Exercise,” where professional trainers provide one-on-one guidance via smart mirrors, and the nation’s first AI-based metabolic syndrome disease onset probability prediction service, supporting seniors’ preventive health management.

To strengthen seniors’ digital capabilities in the era of the 4th Industrial Revolution, the “Active Smart Senior Project” is also underway. Key initiatives include the “IT Experience Zone” where seniors can experience AI, VR, and robotics technologies; development of the senior kiosk education app “Seocho Toktok C”; operation of senior YouTube channels and broadcasting stations; and training of senior creators.

In addition, the district provides conveniences for seniors’ leisure activities, such as operating the “Neutinamu Rest Area,” a senior cultural and leisure complex facility managed by region, and the “Filial Bus Service,” which helps seniors easily access welfare and cultural facilities that were previously difficult to reach due to inconvenient transportation.

Going forward, Seocho-gu plans to gradually implement the 2nd term Age-friendly City Action Plan, reflecting the district’s unique characteristics by utilizing local infrastructure until 2027.

The district also plans to establish and operate the “Age-friendly City Creation Committee” to continuously monitor the policy implementation process.

Mayor Jeon Seong-su of Seocho-gu stated, “In the flow of the rapidly aging era, we will continue to do our best to create a Seocho where no senior is left out or disrespected.”