Bokbok·JiJi, a City Full of Happiness Yeongyang-gun

Welfare originally refers to a state that collectively expresses health, living conditions, and environments that are essential for a happy life.

This year, Yeongyang-gun, Gyeongbuk Province (Governor O Do-chang) is expanding the framework of its existing welfare policies by showing visible achievements, aiming to create a warm Yeongyang without any social exclusion.

Starting in 2025, Yeongyang-gun pledged to establish a more advanced welfare system and strive to prevent social exclusion arising in a diversifying society.

From July, a free public transportation system for those aged 70 and over will be introduced, and the operating hours of special transportation services will be extended from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. to enhance transportation welfare services for the elderly.

In addition, in line with the characteristics of the aging society in the county, the aquatic rehabilitation center within the public health center will be fully operated to assist with treatment and rehabilitation of related diseases without difficulty. Health checkup expenses for residents aged 50 and over will be supported (300,000 KRW, once every two years), and free shingles vaccinations for those aged 65 and over will be provided to reduce the burden of high medical costs.

In response to the rapid increase in dementia patients, a specialized community-tailored integrated dementia management service will be provided (450 million KRW), and a customized safe care environment for the elderly will be created.

Furthermore, senior centers (4 locations, 2 billion KRW) and elderly welfare facilities will be expanded, and existing senior centers will be converted into smart senior centers, transforming them into leisure spaces where the elderly can enjoy comfortable recreational activities. This aims to raise the health index of residents and realize the ambition of becoming the nation’s top longevity village.

Governor O Do-chang stated, “Yeongyang-gun has gained much positive response by promoting various projects, including its own initiatives, within the framework of guaranteeing universal medical rights for residents. Going forward, we will broaden our perspective further to eliminate welfare blind spots.”