Social Isolation at Top OECD Levels…Local Government Launches First 'Social Isolation Prevention Center'

Hwaseong Special City (Mayor Jung Myung-geun) is pushing to establish the nation's first 'Social Isolation Prevention Center.'

Hwaseong Special City (Mayor Jung Myung-geun) announced that the Hwaseong Welfare Foundation held a '2026 Welfare Policy Forum' in the main auditorium of City Hall on the 28th, where it discussed local-level response strategies to prevent social isolation.

The forum was held under the theme of 'Beyond Isolation, Toward Connection: Hwaseong Special City's Response to Social Isolation and Direction.'

Professor Kim A-raemi of the Department of Social Welfare at Seoul Women's University, who delivered the keynote presentation, stated, "Korea's level of social isolation stands at approximately 20%, placing it in the top tier among OECD nations," and suggested that "loneliness and social isolation should be recognized as a 'third social risk,' and there is a need to establish a phased response system centered on prevention and early intervention, as well as strengthening the responsibility of local governments."

Kim Hyo-il, Research Fellow of the Policy Research Division at Hwaseong Welfare Foundation, explained, "The 'Hwaseong-style Social Connection' model involves a tentatively named 'Hwaseong Isolation Prevention Center' overseeing operations, with five community welfare centers in the region serving as 'social connection hubs' to link regional resources across five sectors—welfare, health, culture, sports, and finance."

In the general discussion, Professor Jeon Yong-ho of the Department of Social Welfare at Incheon National University served as moderator, with participants including City Council Member Shin Mi-jeong of Hwaseong Special City, Kim Bo-ram, Head of Hope Welfare Support Team of Hwaseong Special City, Park Myung-hee, President of Hwaseong Social Welfare Council, and Baek Myung-hee, Head of Isolation Response Team at Seoul's Isolation Prevention Center.

Shin Hyun-joo, Director of Care and Welfare, stated, "Social isolation is not an individual problem but an issue that the local community must solve together," adding, "It is important to identify citizens in crisis situations early and connect them with necessary welfare services and local resources."

Hwang Un-sung, President of Hwaseong Welfare Foundation, said, "We will reflect the discussed matters in policy proposals and support the Social Isolation Prevention Center in serving as a central hub of the community connection network."