Two Public Senior Centers Selected
Youth-Linked Programs in Operation
On November 13, Seocho-gu in Seoul (headed by District Mayor Jeon Seongsoo) announced that it is leading an integrated welfare model by operating the "Eoullim Senior Center," which transforms traditional senior centers-previously exclusive spaces for the elderly-into open welfare spaces where different generations can gather and interact.
The birthday party for seniors held at the senior center in Umyeon-dong, Seocho-gu. Provided by Seocho-gu.
The "Eoullim Senior Center" project is designed to turn senior centers into community-centered complex cultural spaces through a variety of programs involving both young adults and the middle-aged. In the public selection for Eoullim Senior Centers conducted by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in August, Seocho-gu was the only district to have two locations (Banpo 4-dong and Umyeon-dong) selected, drawing attention as a leading example of generational exchange-based welfare.
The programs are operated in three types: the "youth-linked" type, which utilizes university club talent donations to offer leisure activities such as games and cooking with seniors; the "volunteer-based" type, where seniors teach skills like Go or Chinese characters; and the "community-linked" type, which connects local small groups with the space. Among these, Seocho-gu is focusing on the youth-linked programs.
Major activities include birthday parties with university student volunteers, cooking sessions to share side dishes with seniors living alone, and horticultural therapy volunteer work by corporate youth volunteer groups. These activities are held regularly twice a month, revitalizing the senior centers.
Notably, in September and October, a birthday party was held in collaboration with the "Seoul Club ON," a culinary club from Baewha Women's University, which received enthusiastic responses. In addition, the volunteer group from Etus247 Academy, joined by students from Seoul National University and Yonsei University, visited to conduct horticultural volunteer work by planting air-purifying plants. Seniors who participated in the programs shared their impressions, saying, "It was so enjoyable to experience the programs with young people. The senior center was filled with laughter all day."
Meanwhile, Seocho-gu is the first in the nation to remodel existing senior centers into "Seocho Senior Lounges," creating integrated spaces where not only seniors but also children and parents can gather. Including the Umyeon-dong Senior Lounge, which opened in September, eight such lounges are currently in operation, leading the way in spreading a community culture where generations come together.
Seocho-gu District Mayor Jeon Seongsoo stated, "I hope that the Eoullim Senior Centers, where seniors and young people laugh and connect together, will break down generational barriers and serve as a catalyst for the recovery of the local community. We will continue to expand various open community spaces that promote generational integration to enhance the quality of life for our residents."
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