Seongdong-gu Expands Safe Return Home Companion Program, Ansim Gwiga Scout

Operating in six zones including Wangsimni Station, Haengdang Station, Singeumho Station, Seongsu Station, Dapsimni Station, and additional Ttukseom Station area
Service available via 'Ansim-i App', enhanced patrols in vulnerable areas play a key role in crime prevention

Seongdong-gu, Seoul (Mayor Jung Won-oh) announced that starting in March, it will expand the Safe Return Home Scout program, which operates to ensure the safe late-night return of vulnerable groups such as women and adolescents, by adding the Ttukseom Station area to the target regions.

The Safe Return Home Scout program provides accompaniment support to vulnerable groups during late-night hours by escorting them safely to their doorsteps. It also conducts regular patrols focusing on high-crime-risk areas such as entertainment districts, secluded alleys, and remote locations, significantly contributing to crime prevention.

Previously, the program operated in five zones around Wangsimni Station, Haengdang Station, Singeumho Station, Seongsu Station, and Dapsimni Station. However, as Seongsu-dong has rapidly emerged as a hot place with a surge in late-night foot traffic, the program will expand to six zones this year by adding the Ttukseom Station area.

Last year, Seongdong-gu responded to abnormal motive crimes by hiring six additional Safe Return Home Scout members in the second half of the year to strengthen patrols in high-risk areas. The district implemented a total of 7,504 return home support cases and 12,791 patrols, establishing a dense community safety network.

The service is available from 10 PM to midnight on Mondays, and from 10 PM to 1 AM the following day from Tuesday to Friday.

Return home support requests can be made through the smartphone app ‘Ansim-i’ and must be submitted at least 30 minutes before arriving at the subway station or bus stop. Notably, the ‘Ansim-i app’ can be used not only to request return home support but also for emergency reporting in crisis situations, Safe Return Home monitoring, Safe Taxi services, and providing information on safe facilities.

Office worker Lee (31), who often works late, said, “I used to run through the dark alleys near my home because they were scary when returning late at night, but the Safe Return Home Scout members escort me all the way to my door, which gives me peace of mind,” expressing satisfaction with the service.

Additionally, Scout member Lee (50), who is active in the Safe Return Home Scout program, said, “I feel rewarded knowing that I am protecting residents’ safety and helping prevent crimes.”

Jung Won-oh, Mayor of Seongdong-gu, stated, “In addition to the Safe Return Home Scout program, we are strengthening the social safety net through support for safety equipment and the nation’s first crime prevention system on walking trails. We will continue to do our best to protect residents from various everyday crimes such as abnormal motive crimes and stalking.”

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