Increasing Program Participation Opportunities with Point System Introduction
Expanding Specialized Projects for Middle-aged and Older Single-person Households
Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jung Won-oh) announced plans to improve user satisfaction and convenience this year by enhancing the operation methods and expanding the projects of the Seongdong-gu Single-Person Household Support Center.
Increasing Program Participation Opportunities through the Introduction of the Singgeulbungeul Point System
The Seongdong-gu Single-Person Household Support Center, which opened in August 2022 in response to the gradual increase of single-person households, supports balanced and healthy living by operating programs for physical health improvement, mental health recovery, and relationship health formation. Starting this year, the center will introduce the Singgeulbungeul Point System to provide program users with a richer participation experience. The Singgeulbungeul Point System awards points when participants attend 100% of all sessions of each program operated by the center or complete health missions and eco-friendly practice missions.
Accumulated points can be used when applying for programs and also when participating in events or activities hosted by the center. Points can also be used at the Green Hajang Market (scheduled for March, May, June, September, and November), where eco-friendly food and goods can be purchased. Upon becoming a regular member, 20 points are provided by default, and all regular members can accumulate up to 100 points within one year.
Expanding Accessibility through Regional Operation of the Geurimmaru Project
The Geurimmaru (pictured) project, which has been operating since the end of 2022, will also be expanded. Geurimmaru is a mental health recovery project that provides professional art therapy and psychological counseling such as coloring (coloring in sketched designs) to help find emotional stability and reduce psychological tension, thereby relieving daily stress. It is especially popular among single-person households who are prone to depression due to loneliness from isolation.
Starting this year, the project will expand work locations by region through collaboration with local institutions to make coloring easily accessible nearby. Art psychological counseling, which previously ended after a set number of sessions, will continue with active intervention and psychological support for follow-up care.
Strengthening Lifecycle Support through Expanded Specialized Projects for Middle-Aged Single-Person Households
As of December 2023, the number of single-person households in Seongdong-gu increased by 822 from the previous year to 58,976, accounting for about 44.3% of all households. Middle-aged single-person households also make up a significant portion, but compared to youth and elderly single-person households, there are relatively fewer support facilities such as centers or welfare centers available. Seongdong-gu is particularly focused on discovering and supporting middle-aged single-person households. Last year, active promotion efforts were made to discover middle-aged single-person households through campaigns at each household and at bus stops with high foot traffic.
This year, specialized projects for middle-aged single-person households such as cultural tours, bicycle classes, and four-season kimchi making will be expanded for those discovered. This is expected to further strengthen the foundation for all single-person households?from youth to middle-aged to elderly?to live happy and healthy lives throughout their lifecycle.
Making the Lunar New Year Warmer with Tteokguk Meal Kit Sharing
The Seongdong-gu Single-Person Household Support Center will operate the “Tteokgukmeokjang” tteokguk (rice cake soup) meal kit sharing event for this Lunar New Year. From February 6 to 8, 60 single-person households residing in Seongdong-gu who visit the center will be provided with tteokguk rice cakes and beef bone broth to help them enjoy a joyful Lunar New Year.
Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, stated, “Single-person households are increasing every year and are one of the representative household types in Seongdong-gu. Seongdong-gu will continuously strive to move beyond support policies focused only on vulnerable single-person households to ensure that all single-person households can live better lives.”
* For detailed information on membership registration and program applications: Seongdong-gu Single-Person Household Support Center website
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