Seoul's Seongdong-gu held a results-sharing event for its integrated medical and long-term care program Monday at the district office's main auditorium, marking 600 days since the initiative launched. About 400 residents and representatives from local organizations attended, with District Mayor Yoo Bo-hwa presiding.
The event was designed to reflect on the progress and experience Seongdong-gu has accumulated in building its community-based care system, explore directions for future development, and give residents a chance to see and try the various integrated care services firsthand.
Seongdong-gu joined a pilot integrated medical and long-term care program in January 2025 and has since built a delivery system and service framework tailored to local conditions, ahead of the national integrated care program set to launch in March 2026. To identify residents in need of care early and connect them quickly to services, the district established "integrated care information desks" at local clinics, senior welfare centers and other community institutions in April 2025. The network has grown steadily and now operates at 35 locations as of May.
The district has also expanded specialized services reflecting local care needs — including a safety ambulance transport service, customized patient meal support and fall-prevention home care — to strengthen the support system that allows residents to receive care without leaving their homes.
At the event, participants reviewed the achievements and lessons gathered over 600 days of the Seongdong-style integrated care initiative and discussed on-the-ground challenges and future directions. The district also presented commendations to private partner organizations and outstanding community service centers that have actively contributed to building the integrated care system.
The venue featured hands-on experience spaces organized by category — health care, long-term care, daily living and residential support — to help residents understand integrated care in a tangible way. Visitors received guidance and tried services available in the community, including oral health management and health consultations.
A particular draw was an exhibition space called "Senior Kim Seongdong's Home," a mock living space designed to resemble a real residence belonging to a fictional elderly person in need of care. The display offered a comprehensive look at how Seongdong-style integrated care services — including home medical visits, nutrition support, visiting hair and beauty services, fall-prevention home care and smart fire prevention — connect to everyday life.
"The steady progress Seongdong-style integrated care has made over the past 600 days is thanks to the active cooperation of medical and welfare institutions and the broader community," District Mayor Yoo said. "Going forward, we will ensure that integrated medical and long-term care takes firm root in the community, so that everyone can continue to live a healthy and dignified life where they are, with no gaps in the care services they need."
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