Kim Byungsoo, Mayor of Gimpo: "Caring for the Lives of Seniors Elevates the Dignity of the City"

Yangchon-eup Culture and Sports Association Hosts 'Byeotgoeul Yangchon Senior Citizens' Festival'
Mayor Kim Byungsoo Pays Deep Respect to the Elderly
Expresses Determination: "I Will Make Gimpo a Joyful Place for Retirement"
Gimpo City Promises to Expand Health, Medical Welfare, and Senior Employment

Kim Byungsoo, mayor of Gimpo City, visited the '2025 Byeotgoeul Yangchon Senior Citizens' Festival' held in Yangchon-eup on the 20th, where he deeply bowed in gratitude to the elderly and emphasized, "Gimpo City will spare no effort in supporting a healthy old age for our senior citizens."

Kim Byungsoo, mayor of Gimpo City, visited the '2025 Byeotgoeul Yangchon Senior Citizens' Festival' held in Yangchon-eup on the 20th and deeply bowed to the elderly, expressing his gratitude. He emphasized, "Gimpo City will spare no support for the healthy old age of the senior citizens." Provided by Gimpo City

This senior citizens' festival was organized by the Yangchon-eup Culture and Sports Association, with the cooperation of major local institutions and organizations. The event was prepared to wish for the health and well-being of the local elderly and to express gratitude to those who have dedicated their lives to the community.

The event began with performances by the percussion group Topstick and the Korean traditional music group Rakdream. After the commemorative ceremony, invited singers Hangang and Kim Soyou took the stage to deliver celebratory performances. Their lively songs and stage acts brought special joy to the elderly, and participants enjoyed a warm lunch and various events, creating an atmosphere where everyone could laugh and have fun.

Mayor Kim Byungsoo greeted each elderly attendee individually, bowing his head in respect, and actively engaged in communication by listening attentively to their words. In turn, the elderly encouraged and supported Mayor Kim, offering advice for the development of the region.

Mayor Kim Byungsoo stated, "Our senior citizens are the strong roots of the region and the driving force behind Gimpo's development. Caring for the lives of the elderly goes beyond simple welfare; it elevates the dignity of the city. I believe that taking the lead in further developing Gimpo, which our elders have built, is the only way to repay their hard work. I will address major issues such as transportation and welfare to lead Gimpo's development, while also making every effort to ensure that our senior citizens can enjoy a happy and fulfilling retirement in Gimpo."

Kim Byungsoo, mayor of Gimpo City, visited the "2025 Byeotgoeul Yangchon Senior Citizens Festival" held in Yangchon-eup on the 20th and expressed his gratitude by holding the hand of an elderly person. Provided by Gimpo City

Gimpo City is actively working to improve the health, stable employment, and medical welfare of the elderly. In particular, since June of this year, the city has received great response for launching the "Hyodream Meal Table," the first project among Gyeonggi Province municipalities to provide group meals to residents aged 75 and older. Mayor Kim Byungsoo plans to continue and expand the Hyodream Meal Table project in ways tailored to local characteristics, with a commitment to ensuring that all elderly residents of Gimpo can improve their quality of life without worrying about meals.

There is also a positive outlook regarding senior employment. This year, the city has allocated a budget of 14.065 billion won to create jobs for the elderly. Currently, Gimpo City's senior employment and social activity support projects are operated by four organizations: Gimpo Senior Club, Gimpo Senior Welfare Center, Gimpo Northern Senior Welfare Center, and the Gimpo City branch of the Korean Senior Citizens Association. These organizations run 53 project teams, with 3,178 elderly participants.

Gimpo City is also making efforts to eliminate gaps in medical welfare coverage.

Since June of this year, the city has been operating the Rural Visiting Medical Bus project to guarantee the health rights of residents in the northern area, where many elderly live. After its debut in Wolgot and Tongjin in June, the project has continued in Daegot and Yangchon Station in September, receiving a positive response. Through this project, the elderly receive a variety of medical services, including both Western and traditional Korean medical consultations, eye exams and reading glasses, and treatment for musculoskeletal pain. Gimpo City plans to extend the project to the Haseong area in October.

Kim Byungsu, mayor of Gimpo City, is greeting the elderly at the '2025 Byeotgoeul Yangchon Senior Festival' held in Yangchon-eup on the 20th. Provided by Gimpo City

Meanwhile, there are 77,172 residents aged 65 or older in Gimpo City, accounting for 15% of the total population. As the elderly population is rapidly increasing, the city is working to expand both the quality and quantity of various senior welfare programs. This year, Gimpo City allocated 683.5 billion won, about 47% of the total budget, for welfare, with approximately 230 billion won, or 14%, specifically earmarked for senior welfare. This budget supports basic pensions, walking aids and hearing aids, senior community centers, and customized care services for the elderly.