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Opening of Three “Digital Welfare Centers” in Busan Metropolitan City: ushering in a new era of senior digital healthcare

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Busan Metropolitan City (Mayor Park Heong-joon) announced that it will hold the “Digital Welfare Center Opening Ceremony” at 10:00 a.m. today (9th) at the Eojinsaem Senior Welfare Center in Haeundae-gu, marking the official launch of the initiative.

This project is part of the Ministry of Science and ICT’s “Smart Village Dissemination and Expansion Project,” designed to prevent the decline of cognitive and physical functions among older adults and to provide digital-based health management services.

The opening ceremony will be attended by Mayor Park Heong-joon, Busan Technopark, the Busan IT Industry Promotion Agency, related institutions, senior welfare center officials, and approximately 120 older adults.

The three Digital Welfare Centers opening through this initiative are the Eojinsaem Senior Welfare Center in Haeundae-gu, the Sinjangnim Sarangchae Senior Welfare Center in Saha-gu, and the Yeongdo-gu Senior Welfare Center. They will provide ten types of customized digital healthcare equipment and services for seniors.

The centers will offer:
• Physical rehabilitation services such as upper- and lower-body strength and aerobic training equipment, smart walking systems, smart bicycles, customized physical assessment and exercise content, and gait/dance rehabilitation solutions.
• Cognitive rehabilitation services including virtual reality (VR)-based cognitive training, memory and concentration enhancement programs, and a smart table for dementia prevention and cognitive function improvement.
• Health measurement services featuring AI-based non-contact biometric measurement devices, stress tests, and dementia safety check devices.
• User convenience services such as unmanned kiosks with built-in health program reservation and meal ticket functions.

Additionally, the City has expanded the digital health management environment across the region by supplying one type of digital healthcare device to each of the 11 senior welfare centers within its jurisdiction.

Beginning with this Digital Welfare Center project, the City plans to progressively expand age-tech–based senior-friendly digital welfare initiatives starting next year (2026), including establishing age-tech demonstration hubs, disseminating community-based health care platforms, and introducing smart nursing homes and smart senior centers.

Mayor Park Heong-joon stated, “Digital Welfare Centers serve as a vital foundation that enables older adults to enjoy healthier and more vibrant lives through digital technology,” adding that Busan Metropolitan City “will actively support the nationwide spread of our digital senior welfare model.”