Chuncheon Emerges as a Leading Model for Integrated Care Nationwide

The integrated care policy of Chuncheon City under the 8th popularly elected administration is drawing nationwide attention.

On the 30th, Mayor Yuk Donghan of Chuncheon attended the first meeting of the Ministry of Health and Welfare Integrated Care Policy Committee at the Government Seoul Office, which included the Minister of Health and Welfare Jeong Eun-gyeong, administrative agencies, academia, and specialized institutions. Representing local governments nationwide, he presented the status and achievements of Chuncheon's integrated care initiatives. Provided by Chuncheon City

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On September 30, Mayor Yuk Donghan of Chuncheon attended the first meeting of the Ministry of Health and Welfare Integrated Care Policy Committee at the Government Seoul Office, which included Minister of Health and Welfare Jeong Eun-gyeong, administrative agencies, academia, and specialized institutions. Representing local governments nationwide, he presented the status and achievements of Chuncheon's integrated care initiatives.

At the meeting, Mayor Yuk shared the establishment of the Integrated Care Division within City Hall, the process of developing the "Chuncheon Aeonbom" brand, achievements in elderly integrated care, and experiences in building public-private cooperation networks. He also highlighted the necessity of the system as experienced in the field and suggested directions for future development.

Since the launch of the 8th popularly elected administration, Chuncheon City has been promoting integrated care with the goal of creating a healthy and happy welfare community. In particular, the city entered a super-aged society in July 2023 as the proportion of elderly residents exceeded 20%. To respond to the rapidly increasing demand for care, Chuncheon proactively established an integrated care system ahead of the nationwide implementation of the "Integrated Care Support Act" scheduled for March next year.

In January of this year, Chuncheon became the first in the province to establish a dedicated "Integrated Care Division" responsible for regional integrated care support. The division consists of five teams: the Integrated Care Policy Team, the Hope Welfare Team, and the Southern, Northern, and Eastern Integrated Care Teams. This dedicated organization was created to prepare for both the super-aged society and the implementation of the new law. The city is divided into three regions covering 25 towns and neighborhoods, where teams visit eligible care applicants, conduct on-site assessments, and develop individualized integrated support plans to connect them with services.

Building on this foundation, Chuncheon City has established customized welfare services for each stage of life under the "Chuncheon Aeonbom" brand. In particular, the "Chuncheon Model Elderly Integrated Care Project" has emerged as a successful case, providing a variety of services to over 10,000 seniors in collaboration with more than 80 public and private organizations in the region. Partnerships with the Chuncheon Medical Association, the Pharmaceutical Association, local healthcare institutions, the National Health Insurance Service, and Korea Electric Power Corporation have also enhanced the effectiveness of the system.

This year, following last year, the city is participating in the Ministry of Health and Welfare's "Elderly Medical and Care Integrated Support Technology Pilot Project." With the nationwide implementation of the "Integrated Care Support Act" for medical, nursing, and care services scheduled for March next year, Chuncheon is leading the way in developing a pioneering care model.

Mayor Yuk stated, "We have been laying the foundation for a care community so that Chuncheon citizens can continue to live healthy and dignified lives where they have always lived," and added, "We will continue to advance the Chuncheon-style integrated care model and take the lead in spreading it nationwide."

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