Gangdong-gu Mobilizes 2,000 Residents to Identify 243 Households in Crisis

Focused Inspections of Semi-Basement Units and Goshiwons Over Three Months
344 Welfare Resources Connected

Gangdong-gu in Seoul has mobilized over 2,000 welfare coordinators and residents to identify households in crisis who have fallen through the cracks of the welfare system. On December 22, Gangdong-gu (headed by Mayor Lee Soohee) announced that it had discovered 243 vulnerable households through its “Every Corner-Finding Households in Crisis in Our Neighborhood” initiative, which aims to detect households facing social isolation and other risks at an early stage.

Discovery activities for vulnerable households. Provided by Gangdong-gu.

This initiative was carried out over a three-month period, coinciding with the recent resident registration verification (September 1 to November 30). A total of 632 welfare coordinators from 19 neighborhoods and 1,329 members of welfare communities participated, focusing on inspecting vulnerable residential areas such as semi-basement units, goshiwons (small rooming houses), and long-term lodging facilities. In addition, 45,000 magnetic promotional materials were distributed to convenience stores, hospitals, and other community facilities to inform residents about how to report at-risk households and available welfare programs.

There were also cases identified through on-site reports. In Amsa 1-dong, a welfare coordinator noticed a household living in a semi-basement that rarely went outside and reported it to the local community center. Upon investigation, it was found that the household was struggling significantly due to intellectual disabilities and old age. Thanks to the welfare coordinator’s proactive efforts, the district was able to connect this household with emergency care services such as the “Care SOS” program and designate them as recipients of ongoing welfare case management for systematic support.

Through this initiative, the district identified 243 households in crisis and connected them with 344 welfare resources. The district plans to continue providing ongoing monitoring and customized case management, rather than limiting support to one-off assistance.

Residents who notice situations that may indicate a household in crisis can report or seek consultation at their local community center, through the “Gangdong-gu Emergency Welfare Counseling Call (02-3425-5050),” or via the “Welfare Crisis Alert App.”

Lee Soohee, Mayor of Gangdong-gu, stated, “With the welfare safety net we have built together with residents, we can detect hidden households in crisis at an early stage. Going forward, we will further strengthen public-private cooperation to establish a local welfare system that ensures no neighbor in crisis is overlooked.”