Chuncheon, a city in Gangwon Province, South Korea, plans to develop the first retirement village in the nation that integrates medical, housing, and caregiving functions. Mayor Lee Dong-han announced during a press conference on the 13th that the initiative follows the recent passage of a special law in the National Assembly regarding the establishment and operation of retirement villages. This comprehensive living complex will cater specifically to retirees, featuring residential, medical, cultural, educational, athletic, and welfare facilities, and will be designed as a low-density residential area conveniently located within a 15-20 minute access via public transport from the city center.

The cornerstone of Chuncheon's retirement village will be its medical infrastructure, which includes two university hospitals, making emergency medical access possible within 30 minutes. Additionally, the village's proximity to the metropolitan area, with about 75% of incoming residents in 2024 expected to come from the capital region, is a significant advantage. Planned expansions of transportation networks, including the GTX-B line and high-speed rail connections to Sokcho, will further enhance the living conditions for prospective residents.

Chuncheon is actively working on the basic plan for the retirement village to refine its optimal location and project scale, aiming for selection as a pilot project by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport. Moving forward, the city plans to collaborate with medical institutions and the Korea Land and Housing Corporation to develop healthcare-linked services and age-friendly housing models. Mayor Lee emphasized that this initiative is not just a policy for a specific generation, but a proactive step for middle-aged individuals and a source of hope rather than a burden for younger generations, aiming to position Chuncheon as a model city that addresses the realities of an aging society promptly.