A senior receives help on how to use a digital kiosk at a restaurant, in this file photo taken Oct. 17, 2022. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, July 23 (Korea Bizwire) — The Seoul Metropolitan Government announced Wednesday the deployment of 125 new “Digital Guides”—individuals tasked with assisting elderly citizens in using digital tools such as kiosks, mobile apps, and online ticketing systems at subway stations, welfare centers, and public parks.
The new cohort, part of the city’s 7th class of Digital Guides, began work on July 15 and operates across more than 310 locations, up from 250 in the first half of the year. Each guide works six hours per weekday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and is easily identifiable by a bright orange vest.
Launched in late 2022, the initiative aims to bridge the digital divide among seniors by providing one-on-one support in public spaces. As of mid-2024, 815 guides have assisted more than 690,000 residents, according to city data.
To mark the launch of the new phase, Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon presided over an appointment and kickoff ceremony held Tuesday at City Hall, where he distributed ID cards and certificates to the new guides.
Mayor Oh emphasized the city’s broader commitment to inclusive technology: “We aim to integrate AI across public services to make life easier for all citizens and to ensure no one is left behind in Seoul’s transformation into a human-centered digital city.”
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
