Jongno-gu is transforming local private businesses — including cafes, craft studios and hair salons — into senior-friendly spaces through a new "Senior Companion Store" program running from Monday through July 31 next year.
The program is designed as a mutually beneficial initiative: residents 65 and older can enjoy leisure activities within their neighborhoods, while small business owners gain a new base of regular customers.
Four stores were selected through a Seoul Metropolitan Government competition. Yeok, a craft studio in Buam-dong, offers a 5 percent discount on class fees. Lotus, a cafe in Samcheong-dong, discounts beverages by 10 percent. Hollys, a cafe in Muak-dong, offers a 5 percent beverage discount, and Midum Hair Salon in Gahoe-dong cuts haircut prices by 2,000 won.
The district provides each participating store with 1 million won ($707) in facility improvement funds. Stores must spend at least half of that — 500,000 won — on creating a senior-friendly environment.
Eligible improvements include anti-slip flooring, portable ramps, bathroom safety grab bars, magnifying glass stands, cane holders and large-print signage. The remaining funds may be used for business supplies and other operational purchases.
In addition, each participating store will display a "Companion Store" plaque at its entrance to signal its senior-friendly status. Stores recognized for outstanding performance at year-end will receive an additional 1 million won in facility improvement support.
Jongno-gu plans to run the program through July 2027, assess its results and then expand the number of participating stores.
"A truly age-friendly city is one where seniors are welcomed at their favorite neighborhood shops and can mingle with their neighbors as part of daily life," district mayor Yoo Chan-jong said. "We will do our best to make the Companion Stores a warm gathering place for seniors and a reliable lifeline for small business owners."
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