Damyang-gun Leads in Welfare with 'Jungnyeon Shelter' Operation

Published 04 Feb.2025 17:11(KST)

Updated 27 Jul.2025 23:10(KST)

19,947 Visitors Last Year... Emerging as a Community Hub

Damyang County's "Middle-Aged Shelter," promoted as a policy to realize community welfare, is becoming a hub for hobby activities and communication among the middle-aged generation. Photo by Damyang County

The 'Middle-aged Rest Area,' a key pledge of the 8th popularly elected administration in Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do, and a policy initiative to realize the Damyang-style rural welfare, is establishing itself as a hub for hobbies and communication among the region's middle-aged generation.

Since its launch in 2022, the Middle-aged Rest Area has steadily supported successful preparations for later life among middle-aged and older adults, with 19,947 visitors last year and a monthly average of over 1,662 users.

Based on the simple culture of community interaction found in traditional 'sarangbang'?places where residents naturally gathered to drink tea and converse?the Middle-aged Rest Area combines this with a variety of programs tailored to the needs of the middle-aged population.

In particular, the 'Community Sarangbang' located on the second floor next to the Damyang-eup terminal operated a total of 14 social connection enhancement programs in 2024, providing support to isolated or withdrawn young and middle-aged adults. As a result, more middle-aged participants are escaping isolation, sharing their stories, and finding empathy and comfort through mutual experiences.

One participant who took part in the program shared, "Living alone made me afraid to talk to people, but through this program, I gradually opened my heart and learned how to communicate with others. By participating, I laughed for the first time in a while and discovered new possibilities."

County Governor Lee Byeongno stated, "The middle-aged generation plays a pivotal role in the local community, but welfare services for them are relatively lacking. We will do our best to operate the program to improve the quality of life for middle-aged and older adults and contribute to revitalizing the local community."

Meanwhile, Damyang-gun currently operates seven Middle-aged Rest Areas with excellent accessibility near public facilities, and plans to expand to 12 towns and villages by 2026. Through this, the county aims to provide multifaceted support so that the middle-aged and older adults can better prepare for their later years.