Seodaemun-gu launches neighborhood care network to catch residents in crisis

Seodaemun-gu announced Wednesday that it is running a social isolation prevention program in which residents and workers in daily-contact occupations identify warning signs of crisis, while public and private welfare agencies connect those individuals with the support they need.

The care network includes neighborhood watch groups, welfare patrol teams and residents, as well as gas and water meter readers, postal carriers and staff at welfare shops — people who regularly interact with the community in their daily work. Through this public-private partnership, the district has so far identified and supported about 2,500 residents at risk of social isolation.

Once a resident is identified, support is tailored to their circumstances. Young people receive access to a program called "Youth, Connected Together," which helps restore mental health and daily routines. Those who have attempted suicide or self-harm are referred to a mental health welfare center and provided with a "mind kit" designed to ease stress.

For middle-aged and older adults living alone, the district runs "Together Life 2," a self-care and mutual-care program, alongside "Wise Seodaemun Living," which encourages participants to share hobbies and interests.

A separate initiative for seniors, the Daily Challenge Support Project, helps participants set and pursue personal lifestyle goals. Activities such as "walk 30 minutes every day" or "call a neighbor to check in" are designed to be sustainable in daily life and to broaden opportunities for social participation.

Local welfare organizations, police and fire departments are also involved. The Seodaemun General Social Welfare Center and Hongeun General Social Welfare Center have been designated as dedicated agencies for isolated households. An isolation prevention council comprising 18 organizations coordinates efforts to identify and support households in crisis.

In addition, Seodaemun-gu operates the "Seodaemun Hambak Stay" project, which delivers banchan and dosirak to vulnerable middle-aged and older adults living alone, including North Korean defectors.

On Tuesday afternoon, the district held a rally titled "Seodaemun — A Warm Connected City We Build Together" at the district office auditorium, with about 150 public and private sector participants in attendance. Those present reaffirmed their commitment to turning warning signs spotted in daily life into concrete care and support.

District Mayor Park Un-gi, who attended the event, said the district would "build an even tighter public-private care network so that residents' attention translates into real care and support."