District recognized for advancing mental health awareness and building a tailored community support system
Gangnam-gu received a commendation from the Minister of Health and Welfare on Thursday at the ministry's "2026 Mental Health Day Ceremony," in recognition of its contributions to promoting community mental health and improving public awareness of mental illness.
The commendation is awarded to institutions and individuals who have contributed to improving public mental health and the quality of life of people with mental illness.
Gangnam-gu was recognized for consistently advancing community mental health programs — spanning prevention, early detection, counseling, case management, and rehabilitation and recovery support — and for expanding a life-stage-tailored mental health support system.
Centered on its mental health welfare center, the district has pursued early detection and case management for people with mental illness, rehabilitation support, life-stage mental health promotion, and suicide prevention. Particularly notable is its operation of the Youth Psychological Support Center "Sa-i 'Shim'" in the Daechi-dong hagwon district, a facility designed to reflect the area's distinct characteristics.
In November 2025, the district also opened the Gangnam-gu Addiction Management Integrated Support Center — the first of its kind in Seoul's southeastern corridor — to proactively address the growing range of addiction issues. The center expanded its scope beyond the traditional focus on alcohol to cover narcotics, gambling, and digital media overdependence, and established an integrated addiction management system running from prevention and early intervention through counseling, case management, rehabilitation and recovery.
Through its mental health welfare center, youth psychological support center, and addiction management integrated support center, the district now provides broad support — from children and adolescents to adults, high-risk groups, and residents struggling with addiction — and is building a community mental health support system that encompasses prevention, early intervention, treatment linkage, rehabilitation and recovery.
"This commendation is the fruit of our efforts to stay one step ahead of the changing mental health landscape and to consistently expand the support system so that residents can receive real, practical help within their community," Gangnam-gu District Mayor Kim Hyun-gi said. "Going forward, we will continue to build a tightly connected mental health safety net — from prevention and early intervention through treatment, rehabilitation and recovery — to firmly protect the healthy and happy daily lives of our residents."
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