Gangnam-gu Offers 1 Million Won Grants to Senior-Friendly Shops

Gangnam-gu (district mayor Cho Seong-myeong) is accepting applications through July 10 for its "Senior Companion Stores" program, which offers discounts to elderly residents and creates comfortable environments for them.

The program expands the network of senior-friendly private commercial spaces in response to growing demand among older adults for leisure and social participation. Participating small businesses provide discounts to seniors and renovate their interiors to be more accessible to elderly customers. The initiative aims to improve the daily convenience of seniors while fostering an age-friendly community that supports local small business owners. A total of 100 stores will be selected across Seoul's 25 autonomous districts, with four slots allocated to Gangnam-gu.

Each selected store receives 1 million won ($647) in facility improvement grants. At least half of the funds must go toward creating a senior-friendly environment — such as large-print menus, high-brightness LED lighting, safety grab bars and anti-slip ramps. Stores recognized as top performers at year-end can receive an additional 1 million won.

Eligible applicants are small business owners who already offer or plan to offer discounts to seniors. Stores must have completed business registration by the application date, employ fewer than five full-time workers, have no outstanding national or local tax arrears, and must not operate in gambling-related industries. General restaurants, hospitals and pharmacies are also excluded.

Eligible business categories span five fields: sports and health, culture and arts, hobbies and enrichment, rest and refreshments, and lifestyle and convenience. Qualifying businesses include table tennis clubs, gyms, yoga studios, movie theaters, exhibition halls, music hagwon, art hagwon, craft workshops, book cafes, cafes, bakeries, hair and beauty salons, bathhouses, optical shops, photo studios and convenience stores.

Interested stores must submit an application form, a business registration certificate and national and local tax payment certificates to the district office's Senior Welfare Division. The district will conduct on-site visits through July 17 to assess facility conditions and safety, and to verify small-business status and discount plans.

Based on the inspection results, the district will conduct a comprehensive review of each store's benefits and safety standards before submitting to the Seoul Metropolitan Government for final evaluation. Results will be announced July 31. For more information, contact the Gangnam-gu district office's Senior Welfare Division.

"The Senior Companion Stores program is a project where seniors can use neighborhood shops more comfortably and small business owners can meet new customers," district mayor Cho said. "I hope the selected stores will serve as good examples of consideration for seniors and bring positive change to the local commercial district."