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Mapo-gu (Mayor Park Gang-su) will begin recruiting the first senior residents for the ‘Changjeon-dong Hyo-do Suk-sik Senior Center’ (located at 30 Seogang-ro 1-gil) starting March 25, following the completion of construction at the end of March.

The Hyo-do Suk-sik Senior Center is a communal living facility for seniors, newly initiated by Mapo-gu as the first of its kind among Seoul’s autonomous districts. It aims to address the poor housing conditions and isolation issues faced by low-income elderly living alone.

The first facility, ‘Changjeon-dong Hyo-do Suk-sik Senior Center,’ occupies the 2nd and 3rd floors of a five-story building. Each floor is designated by gender, with 8 bedrooms per floor, along with shared kitchens, living rooms, restrooms, and laundry rooms. The total area per unit, including shared spaces, ranges from approximately 30㎡ to 34㎡.

Individual bedrooms are furnished with basic home appliances such as beds, wardrobes, dressers, mini refrigerators, and air conditioners, creating a comfortable living space. Seniors can gather here to cook and dine together while also enjoying private, independent spaces for rest.

The district is recruiting 16 seniors to live here, 8 men and 8 women. Rent varies by unit but is approximately a 3.5 million KRW deposit with a monthly rent around 70,000 KRW.

Applicants must be 65 or older as of the announcement date (March 18, 2024), registered residents of Mapo-gu, and low-income elderly living alone without housing. Eligible applicants include those receiving basic livelihood security benefits such as livelihood or medical aid, residents who realistically do not receive adequate support from their obligated caregivers, or those recognized as needing residence for safety reasons. The district plans to cover the full rental costs for those receiving livelihood or medical aid and those not adequately supported by caregivers.

Interested residents can apply in person at their local community service center from March 25 to April 12.

Applicants will be selected based on priority criteria such as length of residence and age, with the final residents announced on April 19.

Park Gang-su, Mayor of Mapo-gu, stated, “As the number of low-income elderly living alone increases, lower income often correlates with poorer living conditions and lower quality of life. The Hyo-do Suk-sik Senior Center will provide a pleasant communal living environment where seniors can overcome isolation and develop healthy living habits.”

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