Gumi Launches On-Site Activities to Protect Elderly Rights

Appointment of Elder Rights Guardians
10 Citizens Appointed to Oversee 57 Elderly Medical Welfare Facilities
111 Inspections and 12 Corrective Actions Achieved Last Year
Monthly Activity Reviews and Policy Integration
Advancing the Elder Rights Protection System

On January 7, the city of Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, held an appointment ceremony for the '2026 Elderly Medical Welfare Facility Elder Rights Guardians' at the city hall's main conference room, officially launching on-site activities to protect the rights of the elderly.

The newly appointed Elder Rights Guardians consist of 10 citizens with expertise and insight in the field of elderly welfare.

Following the presentation of appointment certificates at the ceremony, practical training was conducted, focusing on elder rights education and on-site inspection guidelines, with participation from the Gyeongbuk Western Elder Protection Agency.

Group photo after the appointment ceremony of the '2026 Elderly Medical Welfare Facility Elder Rights Guardians' / Photo by Kim Ihwan

The Elder Rights Guardians will operate across 57 elderly medical welfare facilities in the city. Currently, approximately 1,980 seniors reside in 46 elderly care facilities and 11 group homes for the elderly.

The main responsibilities include verifying possible human rights violations through interviews with residents and staff, monitoring facility conditions, and recommending institutional improvements to protect human rights. Minor issues identified on-site will be addressed immediately to enhance administrative effectiveness.

Last year, the Elder Rights Guardians conducted a total of 111 on-site inspections, resulting in 12 corrective actions.

This year, the city plans to continue actively supporting the activities of the Elder Rights Guardians and will closely review the monthly activity logs submitted, incorporating the findings into facility management improvements and related policy development.

Choi Changsu, Director of Elderly Welfare, stated, "Creating a safe living environment and protecting the rights of our seniors are essential tasks. I hope that the Elder Rights Guardians will faithfully fulfill their role as on-site watchdogs, helping Gumi become a model city for elderly rights."