Gwangjin-gu, Nationwide First Unregistered Senior Center Transformed into Public Senior Center

Opening Ceremony of Hwayang Jangsu Senior Center Relocated to 36 Gunja-ro on the 17th, Full Operation Begins
New Nest in Opposite Building, Reborn through Remodeling and Facility Maintenance
Expanded from 9㎡ to 75㎡, Serving 28 Seniors

Gwangjin-gu (District Mayor Kim Kyung-ho) has established a new district-run senior center for elderly residents of unregistered senior centers, becoming the first in the nation to do so.

Hwayang Jangsu Senior Center, which opened on the 17th, was previously an unregistered senior center called "Jangsu Senior Club." It was a converted container located in a parking lot of a building about 3 pyeong in size, where around 10 elderly people visited. However, it could not be officially registered due to failure to meet facility and other standard requirements.

Unregistered senior centers lacked regulatory grounds for budget support, limiting practical assistance. However, as the facilities were aging and safety concerns arose, fundamental measures became necessary.

The transition process was not smooth. Although the elderly were suggested to use other nearby senior centers, they refused to move from their familiar place, citing distance and inconvenience.

Accordingly, the district decided to convert a district-run facility located right in front of the existing senior club into a senior center. This facility was directly opposite the senior club, making it very convenient to use.

Subsequently, the district continuously met with the elderly to explain the necessity of relocating the senior center and finally obtained their consent. Ultimately, through remodeling, facility maintenance, and relocation, Jangsu Senior Club was reborn as Hwayang Jangsu Senior Center.

During the remodeling process, the concerns and suggestions of the elderly were also heard. Their opinions were reflected from design to construction. Attention was paid to even small details such as insulation, windows, lighting installation, equipment support, and ramp construction.

The opening ceremony was held with about 30 attendees, including Gwangjin-gu Mayor Kim Kyung-ho, Hwang Gap-seok, Chairman of the Korean Senior Citizens Association Gwangjin Branch, senior center presidents, and members. Kim Sang-dong, Chairman of Hwayang Jangsu Senior Center, expressed gratitude to the district mayor and officials for their careful attention to elderly people in blind spots.

Lee Jong-young, Director of Welfare of Gwangjin-gu, said, "Changing an unregistered senior center into a district-run senior center and opening it is the first in the nation," adding, "It will play a leading role in elderly support policies."

Gwangjin-gu Mayor Kim Kyung-ho said, "I thank the chairman, members, and officials who worked hard to establish the senior center. I hope the elderly enjoy their leisure time healthily in a safer and cleaner environment," and added, "We will continue to do our best to create a happy Gwangjin-gu for the elderly through various customized support policies."

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