Mayor Park Kangsu of Mapo District Joins "Relay Campaign to Raise Awareness of Population Issues"

Relay Campaign Led by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Human Resources Development Institute for Health and Welfare
Mapo District Implements Diverse, Tailored Policies in Response to Demographic Changes

Park Kangsu, Mayor of Mapo District, participated in the "Relay Campaign to Raise Awareness of Population Issues" jointly organized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Human Resources Development Institute for Health and Welfare on May 1, 2025, to raise public awareness about the issue of low birth rates and to demonstrate his commitment to finding solutions.

This relay campaign was established to broaden public consensus on the demographic changes caused by low birth rates and an aging population, and to encourage collective efforts to address these challenges.

Launched in October 2024, the campaign began with the Ministry of Health and Welfare and has since seen participation from local governments and public institutions nationwide in a relay format. Mapo District joined the campaign after being nominated by Lee Pilhyoung, Mayor of Dongdaemun District.

Participants take a photo holding a placard or using a digital screen displaying the campaign slogan, then spread the message through social media or press releases using hashtags such as #PopulationAwarenessRelay, #PopulationIssueSolution, and the name of their institution.

Mapo District has designated the 'Mapo District Sports Council' and the 'Mapo Welfare Foundation' as the next participants in the relay campaign, aiming to further spread the campaign within the community.

According to the "2024 Population Trends: Birth and Death Statistics" released by Statistics Korea in 2024, the number of births in Mapo District increased by 13.2% compared to the previous year. This figure is significantly higher than the Seoul average of 5.4% and the national average of 3.6%.

The district is striving to create a birth-friendly environment through its "one-stop support policy," which covers the entire process from pregnancy to childbirth and child-rearing.

In response to demographic changes, Mapo District is implementing a variety of policies, including support for medical expenses for infertile couples through the "Haetbit Center," prenatal and postnatal depression screening support, postpartum care expense support, the "Cheotkkeut Center" for single mothers, the "Babysitter House" utilizing existing public childcare centers, and the operation of "Mom Cafe," a communication space for mothers.

Park Kangsu, Mayor of Mapo District, stated, "Population issues are not the responsibility of any one generation, but a challenge for all of us," adding, "Mapo District will work to ensure that childbirth and child-rearing are sources of joy, not burdens."