Positive Reviews for Support Program for Middle-Aged and Older Single-Person Households Including Yongsan-gu Famous Painting Exhibition Viewing

On the 23rd, Visiting the National Gallery Masterpiece Exhibition at the National Museum of Korea... Social Network Formation Program for Middle-aged and Older Single-person Households Increases Satisfaction through Emotional Stability via Hobby and Cultural Support

Yongsan-gu, Seoul (Mayor Park Hee-young) held a viewing of the "British National Gallery Masterpieces Exhibition" at the National Museum of Korea on the 23rd for middle-aged single-person households. A total of 15 participants took part in the program.

This viewing was organized by the Yongsan-gu Family Center as part of the hobby and cultural support project called the "Together, Value" program. The program proceeded with participants sharing their impressions after appreciating the masterpieces, receiving great responses from the attendees.

One participant said, "I studied the exhibition content in advance, but seeing it in person feels different and enjoyable," adding, "It is more meaningful to share opinions with other participants while appreciating the artworks."

Among the total households in Yongsan-gu, about 49% are single-person households, and among them, middle-aged individuals (40-64 years old) account for approximately 32%, representing a significant portion. (Based on the 2021 National Statistical Portal)

Accordingly, the district operates various programs to provide social interaction opportunities for middle-aged single-person households, who may have limited social activities. The goal is to help them meet others, discover new interests or hobbies, and form emotional stability.

Since March, programs such as ▲Urban Farmer (vegetable gardening), ▲Together, Value (hobby activity support), and ▲For Men (self-care for middle-aged men) have been conducted for middle-aged single-person households.

The "Urban Farmer" program involves cultivating a vegetable garden together and cooking with the harvested crops once a month. "Together, Value" includes group hobby activities such as ▲cultural experiences, ▲historical tours, ▲nature-friendly activities, ▲singing bowl meditation, and ▲exhibition and theater viewing. Additionally, "For Men," designed for men living alone, offers experiences like ▲making side dishes and ▲learning space organization methods.

Park Hee-young, Mayor of Yongsan-gu, stated, "The proportion of single-person households is steadily increasing, and with the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, issues of social isolation and lonely deaths are growing. We hope many will participate in these communication spaces to share hobbies and build social networks."

In the first half of this year, activities such as ▲Gyeongbokgung Palace and Hanbok experience, ▲Seoul Museum of Art viewing, ▲Daehangno theater viewing, and ▲singing bowl meditation were held. Those interested in participating in the middle-aged single-person household support programs can refer to the Yongsan-gu Family Center website.