Committed To Becoming More Age-Friendly
Yangcheon-Gu Republic of Korea
[Introduction & Award-Winning Framework]
Yangcheon-gu District is a leading city in older adult welfare, having received the Minister of Health and Welfare Award at the 2026 Korea Age-Friendly Cities Policy Awards. First joining the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities in 2018, the district has successfully completed its 1st and 2nd cycles. Under the leadership of the 9th democratically elected local government, Yangcheon-gu is currently actively pursuing its 3rd cycle WHO re-certification (2026–2030), while driving specialized projects centered on digital innovation, integrated community care, and urban safety.
Yangcheon-gu District is a leading city in older adult welfare, having received the Minister of Health and Welfare Award at the 2026 Korea Age-Friendly Cities Policy Awards. First joining the WHO Global Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities in 2018, the district has successfully completed its 1st and 2nd cycles. Under the leadership of the 9th democratically elected local government, Yangcheon-gu is currently actively pursuing its 3rd cycle WHO re-certification (2026–2030), while driving specialized projects centered on digital innovation, integrated community care, and urban safety.
[Key Pillars of Yangcheon-gu’s Smart Age-Friendly Model]
- Digital Innovation & Smart Welfare (Communication & Social Participation)
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- Smart Senior Centers: Transforming traditional senior centers into tech-driven “Smart Senior Centers” equipped with digital devices and health monitoring systems.
- ‘AI Maeul-Sallim-e’ System: Implementing the nation’s first mobile senior center management infrastructure utilizing QR-code operational tracking and AI-driven systems to bridge the digital divide.
- Digital Literacy & Lifelong Learning: Providing tailored smart-device and digital kiosk education to empower the elderly in an increasingly digitized society.
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- Integrated Community Care & Housing Stability (Health & Community Care)
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- Safe Residential Environment Project: Executing the “Older Adult Safe Housing Improvement Project” to renovate living spaces, install safety handles, and remove hazards for senior citizens with mobility difficulties.
- Dementia & Healthcare Infrastructure: Operating advanced Dementia Care Centers and customized mobile health service networks to deliver preventative, one-stop medical support.
- Senior Employment Initiatives: Developing customized local jobs and vocational training tailored to the needs and demographics of active seniors.
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- Safe & Sustainable Urban Infrastructure (Outdoor Spaces & Buildings)
- Barrier-Free Pedestrian Networks: Enhancing pedestrian trails, neighborhood parks, and urban green zones to secure safe walking environments for older citizens.
- Advanced Smart Infrastructure: Deploying high-efficiency LED smart streetlights and expanding integrated CCTV networks to lower crime rates and establish a robust urban safety net.