[Harumanbo Harucheonja] Easy Health Management for Seoul Citizens... 'Sonmok Doctor 9988'

The customized health management program 'Sonmok Doctor 9988' for Seoul citizens, focused on improving lifestyle habits through walking, has undertaken system improvements to make participation easier for everyone.

On the 5th, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that the target audience for the Sonmok Doctor 9988 project will be expanded to include any Seoul citizen aged 19 or older who owns a smartphone, as well as students, workers, and self-employed individuals residing in Seoul. Sonmok Doctor 9988, which means "Stay healthy and vigorous (88) until 99 years old," is a Seoul-type healthcare program initiated by the city to promote healthy lifestyle habits and improve citizens' health.

Participants in the program can earn up to 100,000 points over six months by practicing healthy lifestyle habits centered on physical activities such as "walking more than 8,000 steps a day," drinking water, and keeping smartphones away before bedtime. The points earned can be converted into Seoul Pay Money and used like cash at hospitals, pharmacies, convenience stores, bakeries, and more.

When Sonmok Doctor 9988 first launched in 2021, it was conducted by accepting applications on a first-come, first-served basis from a limited number of participants who owned smartwatches. For those without smartwatches, the Seoul city government rented or provided smartwatches. Because of this, it gained high popularity among the 'app-tech' community who use various walking applications for financial benefits, and applications quickly filled up each time.

However, starting this year, the recruitment method has been changed to year-round open enrollment, allowing anyone to participate at any time, and participation is now possible simply by installing the smartphone app without a smartwatch. The upper age limit of under 75 years has been removed. In particular, for seniors aged 70 and above, the step count requirement for earning points has been relaxed from 8,000 steps to 5,000 steps per day, enabling activities suited to their health condition.

Wrist Doctor 9988 Service Renewal Image
Photo by Seoul City

Customized health services are also provided for vulnerable groups. Target groups include postpartum mothers, individuals managing metabolic syndrome, households at risk of solitary death, socially isolated youth, youth preparing for independence, and seniors aged 60 and above. The Seoul Metropolitan Government plans to collaborate with related departments to identify eligible individuals and implement tailored programs.

Kim Tae-hee, Director of the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Citizen Health Bureau, said, "We have switched to year-round open enrollment so that any Seoul citizen can participate in the Sonmok Doctor 9988 project and manage their health." He added, "For seniors who find it difficult to sign up using smart devices, we are preparing application assistance and usage education in cooperation with senior welfare centers, and we ask for the citizens' active interest and participation."