[One Day 10,000 Characters a Day] Walk, Accumulate, Write: Recruiting 70,000 'Sonmok Doctor 9988'

“Sonmok Doctor 9988,” a program where participants earn points by walking and use them like cash, is recruiting participants.

“Sonmok Doctor 9988” is a smart healthcare project initiated by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, utilizing information and communication technology (ICT) to proactively promote healthy lifestyle habits and health improvement among citizens. From November 27, 50,000 citizens wishing to participate will be provided with a smartwatch as a health management tool, and from December 18, an additional 20,000 citizens who prefer to participate using their personal smartwatch or smartphone will be recruited. Anyone aged 19 to 75 (born between January 1, 1948, and December 31, 2004) residing in Seoul can apply. Workers, university students, and self-employed individuals based in Seoul are also eligible to participate.

Applicants for “Sonmok Doctor 9988” must own a smartphone capable of linking with a smartwatch or the dedicated app. Once the application is completed, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will review eligibility and finalize approval. Approved participants will receive a smartwatch as a health management tool, and through the dedicated app, their health activity data will be collected and analyzed to provide customized health management services remotely. Previously, applications were only possible via the website, but from December 18, applications can also be submitted through the “Sonmok Doctor 9988” dedicated app.

Participants including Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon are performing at the health event "Wrist Doctor 9988 Walking Challenge" held on October 10, 2022, at Seoul Plaza in Jung-gu, Seoul. Photo by Hyunmin Kim kimhyun81@

The city will separately recruit 13,100 individuals from health-vulnerable groups who require focused health management. This includes postpartum mothers needing physical and mental health care, registrants at public health center metabolic syndrome centers with health risk factors, middle-aged single-person households requiring encouragement for physical activity, as well as isolated and reclusive youth and elderly. The city will collaborate with district public health centers and community centers to identify these vulnerable groups and provide separate recruitment codes. A dedicated application page separate from the general recruitment will be available to accommodate these health-vulnerable groups.

Participants in Sonmok Doctor will receive up to 100,000 points per person over six months based on their health activity participation. Simply walking earns 200 points per day, and walking consistently at least three times a week grants an additional 500 points, allowing participants to accumulate up to 88,200 points through health activities. Additionally, participation in services such as home training and meditation can earn an extra 11,800 points. Points earned through health activities can be converted into “Seoul Pay Money” and used like cash at over 110,000 locations across Seoul, including hospitals, pharmacies, and convenience stores.

The city actively supports citizens’ health management through various programs. “9988 Day” is a monthly outdoor walking event that started in April at Seoul Grand Park and has been held at Seoraeseom Island, Jamsugyo Bridge, Yeouido, and Gwanghwamun, with over 3,000 citizens participating in each event. In October, the city held the “Autumn Health Sports Festival with Citizens” at Seoul Plaza, featuring awards for outstanding Sonmok Doctor 9988 participation reviews and the “9988 Day Under the Autumn Sky” event. At the opening ceremony of the “Autumn Health Sports Festival,” 43 award-winning entries were selected from 1,258 sincere participant stories. Around Seoul Plaza, the “9988 Day Under the Autumn Sky” event was held, where participants achieved 8,000 steps and received special 9988 points.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.