Supporting Seniors' Daily Lives with Community-Based Care in an Aging Society
Hongcheon County in Gangwon Province announced on January 15 that it will continue to operate its senior hospital accompaniment service in 2026 to improve medical accessibility for the elderly amid the intensifying aging population.
Hongcheon County will continue to operate the senior hospital accompaniment service in 2026 to improve medical accessibility for the elderly amid the deepening aging population. Provided by Hongcheon County
Of the total population of 66,109 in Hongcheon County, 35.6% are aged 65 or older. The aging trend is particularly pronounced, with the elderly population approaching 50% in 9 out of the 10 towns and townships within the county.
In response, Hongcheon County has been operating the senior hospital accompaniment service since July 2024 to strengthen community care and enable seniors to live healthy and stable lives in their own communities. The county plans to continue this service in 2026 as well.
The senior hospital accompaniment service acts as a guardian for elderly individuals who face difficulties with medical appointments, health checkups, or using pharmacies. Through this initiative, the burden on seniors living alone and their families is reduced, while safer access to medical services is supported.
The Hongcheon County Senior Welfare Center, as the implementing agency, provided a total of 259 service cases in 2025. The program has received a positive response not only from local seniors but also from children residing outside the area.
Service reservations must be made at least seven days in advance of the desired date and are available on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The basic fee is 5,000 won for the first hour, with an additional 1,500 won per 30 minutes. For recipients of basic livelihood security and the near-poor, the basic fee is 1,000 won for the first hour and 500 won per additional 30 minutes. For further details, inquiries can be made to the Hongcheon County Senior Welfare Center.
Hongcheon County aims to address the local aging issue through the senior hospital accompaniment service, while also continuously expanding practical, daily-life care services that directly support the everyday lives of seniors.
An official from Hongcheon County stated, "We will continue the hospital accompaniment service in 2026 to ensure that seniors can enjoy healthy, stable, and convenient lives," adding, "We will continue to provide full support to improve the quality of life for the elderly."
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