District recognized for expanding social participation opportunities for elderly residents; senior jobs grew 70.6% to 6,083 in three years
Senior store expansion and rising sales among standout achievements
Gangseo-gu in Seoul won the grand prize — the Prime Minister's Award — in the community vitality category at the 22nd Korea Local Government Management Awards on Thursday.
The district was recognized for broadening social participation opportunities for elderly residents and injecting new energy into the local community.
Key achievements cited included developing tailored jobs that draw on seniors' long experience and expertise, expanding community-service positions linked to local public services, and creating sustainable jobs in which seniors produce and sell goods themselves.
Since 2023, Gangseo-gu has pursued sustainable senior employment by focusing on differentiated job creation that leverages the experience and expertise of older residents. As a result, the number of senior jobs, which stood at 3,566 at the time, grew to 6,083 over three years — an increase of about 70.6 percent.
Those efforts have produced even more tangible results on the ground.
About 100 elderly participants in the "Gangseo Airport Supporters" program — who provided interpretation and information services for airport travelers — have continued their work by signing employment contracts with Korea Airports Corporation even after the project formally ended. A senior restaurant called "Hansulduchan" surpassed 350 million won ($270,000) in sales in 2025 and opened a second location. "Hanseong Sanghoe," a senior-run operation that produces sesame oil and other goods, sold more than 500 bottles during a single senior market promotion for Family Month, earning recognition for its quality.
As the AI era takes hold, the district has also expanded seniors' roles into digital and cultural fields.
It introduced a new "neighborhood AI instructor" program, positioning elderly residents not as passive beneficiaries of education policy but as key contributors who can put their capabilities to work.
The senior employment program has also drawn strong satisfaction ratings. A survey found that more than 90 percent of participants expressed satisfaction, citing reasons such as "being active as a member of the community" and "finding new meaning in life through a sense of belonging in the neighborhood."
The Korea Local Government Management Awards is a policy competition co-hosted by the Ministry of Interior and Safety and sponsored by four ministries including the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Its aim is to identify and share outstanding local government initiatives that drive regional economic vitality and development. Evaluation categories cover livelihood stabilization, community vitality, youth support, and locally specialized resource development.
Gangseo-gu District Mayor Jin Kyo-hoon said the award "demonstrates that the experience and talents of our elderly residents are a precious asset that moves our community forward," adding that the district would "continue to expand tailored employment opportunities so that seniors' long experience and individual expertise can translate into safety and convenience for all residents."
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