Seoul's 'Sonmok Doctor 9988' health app tops 3 million users, adds weight management feature

Seoul's smart health management app "Sonmok Doctor 9988" has surpassed 3 million registered users.

As of Friday, the app had 3.03 million subscribers, the Seoul Metropolitan Government said Wednesday. That is more than triple the roughly 1 million users recorded in June 2024 — a milestone reached in just 2 years and 4 months.

To mark the occasion, the city will introduce a "healthy weight management mode" to the app starting Monday. The new feature lets users track their weight and monitor changes at a glance, set personal target weights, check their body mass index, sync weight data from other devices and receive personalized meal recommendations.

Citizens confirmed to have a BMI of 30 or above will be eligible for a 50,000-won ($37) voucher for use at public sports facilities. Those who meet the BMI threshold through a physical fitness certification center or a metabolic syndrome screening can apply through the app starting Monday.

The city will also hold a community walking and exercise event, "Walk Into Exercise," on Thursday at Yeouido Han River Park to celebrate the milestone.

The walking course runs about 4 kilometers, starting from beneath Seoulgyo Bridge, passing through the Yeouido promenade and finishing at the event plaza in Yeouido Han River Park — a route that takes roughly 45 minutes to complete. Participants who finish the course will receive 3,000 points on the Sonmok Doctor 9988 app. Registration is open through the Seoul Metropolitan Government's public reservation service until 6 p.m. Thursday.

Sponsored by the Korea Life Insurance Association, 7,000 won per finisher will be donated to the Community Chest of Korea's Love Fruit campaign.

According to the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency's 2025 Community Health Survey, 69 percent of Seoul residents reported walking regularly — the highest rate among all 17 cities and provinces nationwide. That figure is about 20 percentage points above the national average of 49.2 percent, and has risen every year since 55.5 percent in 2021, reaching a record high last year.

Seoul also ranked first nationally in the "healthy lifestyle practice rate" — the share of residents who abstain from smoking, limit alcohol and walk regularly — at 54.3 percent, far above the national average of 36.1 percent. That figure has also climbed for five consecutive years, up from 43.3 percent in 2021.

"Reaching 3 million subscribers on Sonmok Doctor 9988 is a meaningful achievement that shows healthy habits are taking root in the daily lives of Seoul residents," Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon said. "We will continue to upgrade the app to support citizens in taking charge of their own health."