Gyeonggi Province has announced the selection of four cities: Hwaseong, Gwangmyeong, Ansan, and Yangpyeong, as 'Integrated Care Cities'. This initiative is part of a proactive approach before the enactment of the 'Law on Integrated Support for Local Care, including Medical and Nursing Services', set to take effect in March. The goal is to develop a Gyeonggi model that allows residents to enjoy a healthy old age in the places they have lived rather than in hospitals or care facilities, emphasizing community-based care.

The project will require significant funding, with Gyeonggi Province investing 6.4 billion won in collaboration with the selected cities. Each city will implement one of three models based on its unique characteristics: Gwangmyeong will utilize urban infrastructure, Hwaseong and Ansan will adopt a mixed urban-rural model, and Yangpyeong will focus on a rural-specialized model to overcome geographical limitations in accessing medical services. The organization of a five-part integrated care infrastructure will be essential, ensuring a cohesive system that serves the elderly and vulnerable populations effectively.

Key components of the integrated care system include in-home visits by healthcare professionals through the 'Neighborhood Visiting Care Physician' program, a one-stop package that combines nursing and care services, and a 'Return to Daily Living Care House' for those transitioning from hospital to home. Additional services will be provided, such as a 'Return to Daily Living Treatment Station' for rehabilitation close to home, and personalized service coordinators will be assigned to manage and oversee care for each individual. Citizens interested in participating in this program can apply through local community offices from March to April, and the services are expected to start in the first half of the year. Gyeonggi's welfare director emphasized the project as a vital element in establishing a successful integrated care model that can be implemented across South Korea.