Gimhae City is a major metropolitan city in the southeastern region of the Republic of Korea, with a total area of 463.53 km² and a population of approximately 530,000. It is a dynamic city equipped with an extensive transportation network and a future-oriented industrial structure, and at the same time a historical and cultural city that is home to the Gaya Tumuli, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

The vision of Gimhae City is “Gimhae, a warm and happy city where dreams come true,” envisioning a city where all citizens—from children to older adults—can live well together. This vision aligns closely with the values pursued by the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities.

As of the end of December 2025, out of a total population of 533,000, Gimhae City has 86,000 residents aged 65 and over, accounting for 16.3% of the total population, indicating that the city has already entered an aged society. If this trend continues, Gimhae City is expected to reach a super-aged society by the end of 2028.

In preparation for these changes, Gimhae City has proactively and systematically developed response measures. In May 2021, the city enacted the “Ordinance on the Creation of an Age-friendly City in Gimhae,” establishing an institutional foundation for promoting age-friendly policies. Since then, Gimhae City has conducted age-friendliness assessments, and formulated and implemented an age-friendly city action plan reflecting the opinions and needs of older adults, and has achieved meaningful results. In recognition of these efforts and commitment, Gimhae City joined the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities as a member city in September 2023.

Not resting on this achievement, Gimhae City has continued to review, evaluate, and supplement its three-year policy tasks even after joining the network. Officials from 22 departments have reviewed the tasks, while the Age-friendly City Steering Committee, composed of experts in elderly policy, has conducted evaluations and provided advisory support, thereby enhancing policy implementation. In addition, the city has operated a monitoring group with the participation of many older adults to identify inconveniences in daily life and strengthen policy monitoring.

Based on these three years of efforts and achievements, Gimhae City now seeks to renew its membership as an age-friendly city and take a bold step forward. The second-phase vision has been newly set as “A Happy Age-Friendly City for All, Gimhae,” with three core goals: ▲ creating a high-quality and safe living environment for all, ▲ a warm community that connects generations, and ▲ reliable care and a stable aged life. A total of 72 projects have been developed to achieve these goals.

On this basis, Gimhae City will remain true to its original commitment and faithfully implement its action plans in solidarity with fellow member cities.