Changes in Everyday Life Systems:
Care, Welfare, Health, and Childcare
Mapo District in Seoul (Mayor Park Gangsu) has unveiled “Mapo’s New Changes for 2026” to mark the New Year. On January 2, Mapo District announced that it will implement a total of 26 initiatives this year, including 9 new policies and 17 revised systems.
Commemorative photo with Park Gangsu, Mayor of Mapo District, and the four co-representatives of Mapo Nuguna Cafe. Provided by Mapo District.
The main new policies include the Mapo-style Integrated Care Support Project, support for influenza vaccination and caregiving costs for outstanding volunteers, issuance of mobile disability registration cards, guaranteed access for assistance dogs for people with disabilities, operation of the Seoul Fitness 9988 Mapo Fitness Certification Center, a pertussis vaccination program for pregnant women, the establishment of the second branch of Nuguna Cafe, support for exemplary taxpayers, and the operation of a Healthy Longevity Center.
The “Mapo-style Integrated Care Support Project” targets residents who require comprehensive support for medical care, nursing, and daily living due to frailty, disability, or illness. After applying for integrated support at their local community center, a home visit and needs assessment will be conducted before services are provided.
Outstanding volunteers will receive support for influenza vaccination expenses (up to 30,000 won) and caregiving costs (up to 500,000 won). By easing the income criteria for medical and housing benefits, households that were previously ineligible will now be able to receive support within the system.
It will now be possible to issue disability registration cards in a mobile format. The district has enacted the “Ordinance on Guaranteeing Access for Assistance Dogs for People with Disabilities” to ensure smooth access for assistance dogs and to improve public awareness regarding their presence.
In the health sector, the “Seoul Fitness 9988 Mapo Fitness Certification Center” will be operated for Mapo residents and Seoul citizens aged 19 and older. After measuring physical fitness by age group, the center will provide individualized exercise prescriptions and physical activity counseling based on the results.
To protect the health of pregnant women and young children, the district will support the cost of pertussis vaccination for pregnant women between 27 and 36 weeks of pregnancy and their spouses. Additionally, the meal subsidy for children at risk of malnutrition will be raised from 9,500 won to 10,000 won per meal.
The district will expand the operation of “Mapo Mom Cafe” and “Pa Cafe” to strengthen the offline community base where parents can share childcare information and recharge. It will also expand the free movie screening program for residents at Mapo Residents’ Plaza. “Mapo’s New Changes for 2026” can be viewed in e-book format on the Mapo District Office website.
Mayor Park Gangsu stated, “I believe that policies are not distant promises, but everyday changes that make our residents’ lives a bit more secure and happy,” adding, “In 2026, we will continue to pay close attention to ensure that every resident’s life becomes warmer.”
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