Why Dobong-gu's Single-Person Household Policy Is Rated the Best Among Seoul's Autonomous Districts?

Dobong-gu, Seoul's No.1 in Registered Single-Person Household Policies on Single-Person Household Portal Site 'Unrivaled'
Reflecting Field Demand Voices in Policies through Single-Person Household Surveys
‘Single-Person Household Living Goods Rental Project’, ‘Cheongchun Forest’ Receive Great Response

Single-person households are increasing every year. As their numbers grow, it is time to implement various policies tailored to the characteristics of single-person households.

Among them, one district in Seoul stands out for having the most support policies for single-person households. That district is Dobong-gu, located in the northeastern part of Seoul.

As of July 24, there are a total of 503 single-person household projects registered on Seoul’s single-person household portal site, ‘SingleBungle.’ Dobong-gu has 51 projects registered, the same number as Gangnam-gu, making it the top district in the northern part of Seoul, excluding the Gangnam area.

Last year, Dobong-gu conducted a survey on the changing lifestyles and current status of single-person households to develop policies reflecting characteristics by age, gender, and region.

To maximize the welfare perception of single-person households, the district gathered the voices and needs from the field through interviews with individuals by age group and group discussions composed of experts and practitioners in policy areas such as housing, safety, and health.

As a result, new projects reflecting the demands of single-person households were planned. A representative example is the single-person household daily necessities rental project. Single-person households find it burdensome to purchase items they only use once or twice. They often hesitate to buy due to limited living space.

In the survey, one single-person household shared, “When transporting large items, things like carts are needed, but buying a cart can cost more than the item itself. It’s also hard to borrow one nearby. It would be great if the district office or community center could lend these easily and conveniently.”

The district conducted an online survey to identify desired items and prepared a total of 19 types based on popularity. Rental items include Polaroid cameras, bedding vacuum cleaners, car vacuum cleaners, beam projectors, mini ovens, suitcases, carts, and more.

Up to two items per person can be rented free of charge for one week. Anyone living alone in Dobong-gu can apply through the Dobong-gu website. Currently, 1 to 2 people rent items daily on average, and about 60 people have used the service since it started in May.

Existing projects have been further developed. The youth single-person household social dining program, ‘Cheongchun Forest,’ is a prime example.

‘Cheongchun Forest’ was the first project in Seoul, launched last year by the district to promote balanced nutrition and healthy eating habits among young single-person households. It was inspired by the movie ‘Little Forest.’ The program features simple cooking lessons and various experiential activities to promote physical and mental health.

Last year, 12 sessions were held with a total of 24 young single-person household participants. The response was very positive. Participants shared comments such as, “I used to rely on convenience foods while juggling part-time jobs and studies, but now I can easily cook simple meals,” and “It was great to make friends in similar situations.”

This year, 6 more sessions will be added, totaling 18 sessions. The program includes learning healthy cooking methods, emotional oil therapy experiences, and rural experiences. A ‘Healthy Eating Habit Formation Open KakaoTalk Challenge’ will also be conducted to strengthen self-care abilities.

Oh Eun-seok, Mayor of Dobong-gu, said, “Understanding what single-person households want and need is the top priority in policy-making. Dobong-gu will always listen to the voices of single-person households and incorporate them into policies to implement practical support that single-person households truly need.”