Seocho District Wins Innovation Award at Korea Healthy City Awards

Recognized for Achievements in Smart Health and Safety Policies

Seocho District in Seoul (District Mayor Jeon Seongsoo) announced on September 19 that it received the Innovation Award in the general category at the 10th Korea Healthy City Awards ceremony, which was held at the Andong International Convention Center on September 18. The award theme was "Smart Healthy and Safe City: A New Daily Life Created by Seocho."

Seocho District Health Center Director Soonok Woo (center) and district officials are taking a commemorative photo after receiving an award. Provided by Seocho District.

The Korea Healthy City Awards are organized by the Korea Healthy Cities Partnership and are given annually to local governments among 103 member cities nationwide that have implemented outstanding healthy city policies. Seocho District was recognized for its achievements in creating a sustainable city where health and safety coexist by combining digital-based smart technology with resident participation, making it the recipient of this year’s Innovation Award.

Seocho District has been evaluated as having achieved tangible results by introducing the latest technologies in the health sector and strengthening resident participation. Notable examples include the "Mobile Health Experience Center," which expanded points of contact with residents; the "Our Neighborhood Tag Team," in which residents directly participate in monitoring and cracking down on illegal alcohol sales to minors; and the "AI Smoking Recognition Signboard," which originated from resident ideas.

Additionally, the district has expanded safety infrastructure by implementing the "Smart Integrated Control System," installing "Smart Security Lights with Warning Functions," and creating "Barrier-Free Forest Trails" for pedestrians with mobility challenges. Seocho District is also actively operating digital healthcare programs tailored to all generations, such as the "AI Customized Exercise Care Service for Seniors," "Pulse Wave Measurement and Counseling," and "ICT Cognitive Training."

Through these initiatives, Seocho District has achieved various outcomes. Complaints related to smoking decreased by 30 percent, and 3,470 people participated in the Health Experience Center, recording a high satisfaction rate of 95.7 percent. The introduction of the Smart Integrated Control System raised residents’ sense of crime prevention to 92 percent, and mental health pulse wave measurements enabled the early identification and intervention for 198 high-risk individuals. More than 2,000 people used the digital cognitive rehabilitation program, and the district was selected for the Seoul Digital Dementia Management Contest for two consecutive years.

Jeon Seongsoo, Mayor of Seocho District, stated, "This award is the result of our efforts to realize a healthy city created together with residents," adding, "We will continue to build a healthy and safe city that all residents can truly experience."

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