Seoul District Offers Priority Care Access for Elderly to End Pushback

South Korea is running out of space for its super-ageing population, and many neighbourhoods do not want care centres for older adults built in their apartment complexes.

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SEOUL -

To address this growing tension, the Eunpyeong-gu district in north-western Seoul is suggesting something new. It has formally proposed that residents of newly redeveloped apartment complexes be given priority access to care centres built as part of the redevelopment.

These facilities are typically constructed as public benefit contributions during large-scale private housing projects but often meet with resistance from residents who fear they will negatively affect property values.

The proposal, submitted to the central government, will require revising national laws, which currently prohibit any form of admission preference.

Still, district officials believe that offering residents a tangible benefit can help ease the pushback that has stalled many projects.