Starting next month, Yongsan District in Seoul (District Mayor Park Heeyoung) will provide transportation cards worth up to 680,000 won to drivers aged 70 and over who voluntarily surrender their driver’s licenses.
Yongsan Happy Nurim Transportation Card Support Project Promotional Poster. Provided by Yongsan District.
The district will offer a combined total of 680,000 won in transportation benefits, which includes a 480,000 won prepaid transportation card from Yongsan District and a 200,000 won license surrender transportation card from the Seoul Metropolitan Government. This is the highest level of support among all Seoul districts. The number of recipients has also been increased from 100 to 150.
Eligible applicants are actual drivers aged 70 or older (born on or before December 31, 1956) who are registered residents of Yongsan District. Applicants must currently have automobile insurance or have been insured within one year of the insurance expiration date. Those who have transferred or scrapped a vehicle registered in their name within the past year may also receive support if they provide proof.
The transportation card support for surrendering a driver’s license is provided only once per person. Those who have already received support cannot reapply or receive retroactive benefits. To apply, individuals must visit their local community center with their driver’s license and proof of insurance or documents verifying vehicle transfer or scrapping.
As the proportion of traffic accidents and fatalities involving elderly drivers has continued to rise, social concern over traffic safety for senior drivers has grown. In response, the district has strengthened its program to encourage voluntary license surrender among elderly drivers to prevent accidents.
Park Heeyoung, Mayor of Yongsan District, stated, “Surrendering a driver’s license is a decision in which seniors voluntarily limit their own mobility, so it is essential to provide practical and tangible support in return. The transportation card support is a realistic alternative to help ensure seniors can continue their daily activities without inconvenience after giving up their licenses.”
Meanwhile, the district is also collaborating with the Korea Road Traffic Authority to provide on-site traffic safety education for seniors at organizations such as the Korean Senior Citizens Association, welfare centers, and senior centers, alongside the transportation card program. Additionally, the district plans to distribute “Senior Driver On Board” signs to promote a culture of consideration and yielding to elderly drivers on the road.
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