Mapo-gu has joined forces with the Office for Government Policy Coordination's pan-government Life-Saving Promotion Headquarters and the Construction Workers Mutual Aid Association to support the mental health of construction workers.
According to employment trend data from the Ministry of Statistics, the number of people employed in the construction sector stood at about 1.893 million in June, down about 67,000 from the same month last year. The figure slipped further to about 1.865 million in July, a drop of about 57,000 from July last year, underscoring the persistent weakness in construction employment.
The partnership was prompted by growing concern that rising raw materials prices and construction costs — compounding job losses — have placed mounting financial and psychological strain on construction workers, with a significant number reporting emotional difficulties.
Under the agreement, Mapo-gu will offer free mental health counseling every second and fourth Monday of the month, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., at a construction workers' rest shelter operated by the mutual aid association at 45 Mapo-daero. The service begins Monday.
Mental health counselors from the Mapo-gu Public Health Center will visit the shelter in person to conduct stress assessments, depression screenings and mental health consultations, allowing workers to check on their wellbeing in a comfortable setting.
Workers identified as high-risk and in need of ongoing care will be referred to the Mapo-gu Mental Health Welfare Center or connected with professional psychological counseling services for follow-up support.
The district also plans to promote the Seoul Metropolitan Government's "Sonmok Doctor 9988" app so that busy construction workers can assess their own mental health anytime and anywhere.
Through the app, workers can easily self-check their condition using assessments for depression, anxiety and suicidal behavior, and can be connected to professional mental health counseling if needed.
Mapo-gu also intends to link the initiative with smoking cessation, alcohol reduction and nutrition counseling services offered by the Mapo-gu Public Health Center, helping workers build healthier lifestyle habits alongside improving their mental health.
"Caring for workers' mental health amid the ongoing difficulties on construction sites is an important responsibility that the community must share," Mapo-gu District Mayor Yoo Dong-gyun said. "We will do our utmost to build close cooperative ties with the central government and relevant agencies so that construction workers can maintain a healthy daily life."
If you're thinking about self-harm or suicide, contact the Ministry of Health and Welfare's helpline 1393, available 24/7. Please request a translator for English-language services.
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