Nowon-gu Operates 'Seongdaehan Counseling Center' to Solve Sexual Concerns

Establishment and Operation of the First Specialized Sexual Counseling System in Autonomous Districts
Sexual Health · Sexual Psychology Counseling · Crisis Pregnancy and Childbirth · Various Fields of Sexual Counseling

Nowon-gu, Seoul (Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will pilot operate the integrated consultation window called the 'Seongdaehan Counseling Center,' where anyone can freely seek advice on sexual concerns.

With the development of mass media and information communication devices, awareness of sexuality has become more open, making sexual issues a social concern throughout the entire life cycle, from adolescence to old age. However, due to concerns about personal information exposure, financial burdens, and lack of communication channels, there is no professional counseling system in place.

Accordingly, the district plans to consolidate the individually operated sexual counseling channels within the region into a unified consultation window to strengthen operational efficiency.

The 'Seongdaehan Counseling Center' will primarily operate non-face-to-face counseling that guarantees anonymity to reduce psychological burdens on users. Since the non-face-to-face method is applied from the reception stage, individuals can openly share their specific concerns using an online counseling application form.

The counseling areas include ▲general topics such as sexual health and psychological counseling ▲suspected sexually transmitted infection counseling ▲and specialized topics such as crisis pregnancy and childbirth counseling.

First, sexual counseling covers not only 'sexual health' issues such as menstrual disorders and contraception methods for planned pregnancy but also 'psychological' counseling related to stress from spouse and family relationships. Sexual counseling will primarily be conducted through non-face-to-face methods such as online bulletin boards, and with the client's consent, telephone or face-to-face counseling may be provided depending on progress.

Face-to-face counseling is conducted at specialized local counseling centers such as the Nowon Senior Counseling Center and Nowon Youth Sexual Counseling Center, depending on the client's age. Various supports are provided based on counseling results to help stabilize and recover the client.

Suspected sexually transmitted infection counseling involves checking major symptoms and estimating infection routes to assess the severity of the condition. Depending on the degree, rapid HIV testing is conducted at public health centers. Additionally, examinations are encouraged for those suspected of co-infections, and practical support is provided by linking them to hospitals capable of treatment and issuing medical referral letters.

Crisis pregnancy and childbirth counseling focuses on pregnancies occurring in crisis situations and parenting after childbirth, providing guidance on options such as induced abortion and adoption to assist clients. If the client chooses parenting or adoption, they are connected with social workers capable of comprehensive counseling. In cases where induced abortion is chosen due to unavoidable circumstances, follow-up support such as physical recovery, psychological stability, and medical service linkage is provided through comprehensive crisis pregnancy and childbirth counseling.

The Seongdaehan Counseling Center will operate from July 1 to September 13, and any resident of Nowon-gu, regardless of age or gender, can use the service free of charge. Support is available for the first 300 applicants on a first-come, first-served basis. Counseling applications can be submitted online via the QR code on the promotional poster. For those unable to use electronic devices, applications can also be made via phone.

Meanwhile, the district operates six health management centers by region and Seoul's first mobile public health center, the 'Mobile Health Bus,' providing various health care projects tailored to the needs and characteristics of vulnerable groups such as people with disabilities, North Korean defectors, and low-income residents.

Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “We hope that through the Seongdaehan Counseling Center, residents with sexual issues and concerns can comfortably share and resolve them.” He added, “We will continue to do our best to create a community where both body and mind are healthy through various projects.”

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