Advisory committee member Kim Hyun-su, a psychiatry professor at Myongji Hospital, delivers lecture on global urban mental health policies and the direction for Mapo-gu residents
The transition committee for the 9th directly elected Mapo-gu district chief, chaired by Hwang In-guk, held a special lecture on mental health policy June 19 at Majung Hall of Mapo Central Library, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
The lecture was organized to raise awareness of stress management and mental well-being — increasingly prominent challenges in modern society — and to explore policy directions for improving the mental health of Mapo-gu residents.
About 60 people attended, including Mapo-gu District Chief-elect Yoo Dong-gyun, transition committee members, advisory committee members, and transition support staff.
The lecture carried added significance as the speaker was Kim Hyun-su, a professor of psychiatry at Myongji Hospital and an advisory member of the transition committee.
Kim delivered a talk titled "Mapo-gu That Looks After the Mind First — How to Prepare to Become the Happiest City in the Capital, Seoul."
The session assessed the current state of mental health among Mapo-gu residents and examined mental health policies adopted by cities around the world, drawing out cases applicable to Mapo-gu.
Kim stressed the importance of "connection," saying that social prescribing — linking diverse community resources and identifying underserved populations — is a key solution for improving mental health, going beyond a purely medical approach.
He also said that cities with low suicide rates tend to have strong green spaces such as parks and well-developed sports facilities, adding that attention must be paid to creating an environment that supports residents' mental well-being.
Attendees took part in a question-and-answer session with Kim, exchanging views on the mental health projects Mapo-gu residents need and discussing the future direction of district administration.
The transition committee plans to use the proposals raised during the lecture to develop concrete policies for improving residents' mental health and to work together toward building a happier Mapo-gu.
"In a society that changes by the day, mental health is becoming just as important a social challenge as physical health," District Chief-elect Yoo said. "I hope this lecture broadens shared understanding of the importance of mental well-being and serves as a foundation for building a Mapo-gu where all residents can be happy."
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