Gwangjin-gu Wins Grand Prize in the 3rd Senior Welfare Awards for Basic Local Governments

Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) won the ‘Grand Prize’ in the basic local government category at the 3rd Senior Welfare Awards hosted by the Korea Senior Citizens Association on the 23rd.

The Senior Welfare Awards are given to metropolitan and basic local government heads who have contributed to improving the welfare of the elderly with the spirit of filial piety. In Seoul’s autonomous districts, Gwangjin-gu and Dongdaemun-gu were honored with the awards.

Since the 8th term of the elected government, Gwangjin-gu has promoted the ‘Neighborhood Senior Center’ initiative, visiting senior centers. They communicated with the elderly on-site, reflected their opinions in policies, and provided welfare services tailored to their needs.

They also improved the facilities of aging senior centers. First, through the ‘Senior Center Low-Carbon Building Conversion’ project, in April, the 2nd Senior Center in Jayang 2-dong (17 Ttukseom-ro 62-gil) was remodeled into a low-carbon green building that is cool in summer and warm in winter. Two more locations are planned in the future.

Additionally, through applying for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport’s ‘Green Remodeling’ project, plans are being made for additional remodeling targeting five locations including Yongma Senior Center.

Furthermore, the district supported the safety and vibrant lives of the elderly through ▲ building senior welfare centers and creating senior parks to support leisure activities ▲ establishing smart senior centers to bridge the digital divide ▲ expanding operating expenses for senior centers ▲ and a beverage delivery project to check on the elderly to prevent solitary deaths.

Kim Kyung-ho, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, “Gwangjin-gu has started establishing mid- to long-term plans to create an age-friendly city in preparation for the changing population structure,” and added, “We will continue to do our best for thorough and solid welfare for the elderly.”