Gwangyang-si Wins Korea's First Government Innovation Case Award

by Heo Seonsik

Published 28 Nov.2023 13:52(KST)

Updated 14 Aug.2025 23:38(KST)

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Implementation of U-Suhocheon-sa Service for Socially Vulnerable Groups

Gwangyang City in Jeollanam-do announced on the 28th that its ‘U-Suho Angel Service,’ a location tracking service for socially vulnerable groups, was selected in the Ministry of the Interior and Safety’s ‘Government Innovation First and Best Case Contest’ and certified as the first case in Korea.

The Government Innovation First and Best Case Contest is a competition that actively discovers cases of government innovation that were introduced for the first time and those that are operated in the best way. Gwangyang City’s ‘Location Tracking Service for Socially Vulnerable Groups’ was selected as the first case and received the ‘First in Korea Award.’

[Photo provided by Gwangyang-si]

The ‘U-Suho Angel Service’ is a location tracking service for socially vulnerable groups first implemented nationwide by Gwangyang City in 2007. It provides devices equipped with location tracking functions to people with intellectual disabilities and elderly dementia patients, offering protection if they leave their residential area (Safe Zone).

Since 2009, the service has expanded its target groups to include not only people with intellectual disabilities and elderly dementia patients but also children and other socially vulnerable groups, developing into a diverse location-based service.

Currently, Gwangyang City is working to support socially vulnerable groups by utilizing smart devices through projects such as the ‘AI·IoT-based Senior Health Management Project.’

A Gwangyang City official said, “Taking this government innovation first case award as an opportunity, we will strive to discover more creative ideas to make Gwangyang a more convenient and better city for its citizens.”

Meanwhile, in addition to Gwangyang City’s ‘U-Suho Angel Service,’ a total of 10 cases were selected as government innovation first cases, including ▲Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ ‘World’s First Introduction of Braille Passports,’ ▲Chilgok National University Hospital’s ‘Drive-Through Screening Clinic,’ ▲Korea Expressway Corporation’s ‘Colored Road Surface Guide Lines,’ and ▲Seocho-gu, Seoul’s ‘Crosswalk Shade (Seoripul Ondumak).’