Hwaseong Special City, located in Gyeonggi Province with a rapidly aging population, has been actively developing comprehensive policies and programs to support older residents through the Middle-Aged and Senior Welfare Division. Our commitment to creating an age-friendly environment is demonstrated through diverse initiatives across multiple domains.

Current Programs and Services:
Our integrated care system addresses the holistic needs of older adults through customized care services. The Senior Customized Care Service provides personalized support based on individual health and social conditions, while the Emergency Safety and Security Service offers 24-hour monitoring for vulnerable older adults. We have pioneered the use of AI technology in older adult care, deploying AI speakers for daily check-ins, AI care robots named “Hyotol” for companionship and health monitoring, and intelligent systems that detect emergencies and alert care managers immediately.

Social participation is enhanced through comprehensive employment and social activity programs operated across four welfare centers for older adults (Dongtan, Nambu, Seobu, and Jeongjohyo). These provide job opportunities, lifelong education, cultural activities, and volunteer programs that enable active aging. Our network of 749 centers for older adults (gyeongdang) serves as community hubs where older adults gather for social interaction and recreational activities.
Health promotion programs include cognitive enhancement activities, chronic disease management, nutrition counseling, physical exercise programs, and dementia prevention services delivered through welfare centers and health centers.

Strategic Vision for Age-Friendly City:
Building on our 2025 Age-Friendly City Master Plan research, we have established four strategic pillars: (1) Creating a safe and comfortable age-friendly environment, (2) Building an integrated health and care system ensuring dignified aging, (3) Fostering an inclusive society where generations learn and work together, and (4) Establishing age-friendly governance based on communication and trust.

We are committed to joining the WHO Global Network for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC) to align our initiatives with the WHO’s 8 domains framework, enhance intergenerational integration, expand accessibility in public spaces and transportation, and strengthen community engagement in age-friendly policy development. Through systematic implementation of our 3-year action plan and continuous stakeholder collaboration, Hwaseong City aims to become a model age-friendly community where older adults thrive with dignity, health, and active participation.