In South Korea, a growing movement is redefining how care is delivered—not in hospitals or clinics, but in the familiar surroundings of people’s own homes. Known locally as “집에서 이어지는 돌봄” (care continuing at home), this initiative reflects a broader shift toward community-based health and social support, particularly for aging populations and those managing chronic conditions. Rather than requiring individuals to travel to medical facilities for routine support, the model brings essential services directly to where people live, aiming to preserve dignity, independence, and continuity in daily life.
The concept gained visibility through official channels in early 2024, when South Korea’s Ministry of Health and Welfare began sharing multimedia content highlighting real-life examples of home-based care in action. Posts on the ministry’s official Facebook and Instagram accounts featured testimonials from care workers, families, and recipients, emphasizing how services ranging from nursing visits to assistance with daily activities are now being coordinated locally. These posts, shared in both Korean and English formats, consistently used the phrase “집에서 이어지는 돌봄, 달라진 일상” (care continuing at home, changed daily life) to describe the transition from institutional to home-centered support.
While the specific initiatives vary by region, the underlying goal remains consistent: to integrate medical, social, and practical assistance into a seamless experience that adapts to individual needs without displacing people from their homes. This approach aligns with national strategies outlined in South Korea’s long-term care insurance system, which has expanded significantly since its inception in 2008 to cover more services and beneficiaries, particularly those aged 65 and older or individuals with qualifying disabilities.
According to data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare, over 850,000 people were receiving long-term care benefits in South Korea as of 2023, with a growing proportion opting for home-based services over institutional care. The ministry has reported that home visit nursing, help with bathing and meal preparation, and cognitive support programs are among the most frequently utilized components of the home care package. These services are typically delivered by certified care workers employed through local public health centers or contracted private agencies under municipal oversight.
One of the key advantages cited by policymakers is the potential to reduce unnecessary hospitalizations and emergency room visits, especially among older adults with chronic illnesses. By providing preventive care and early intervention at home, the system aims to detect health changes before they escalate. Care workers often serve as first points of contact, monitoring vital signs, medication adherence, and mobility, then coordinating with physicians or nurses when needed.
The model too places importance on maintaining social connection and mental well-being. Beyond medical assistance, home care workers frequently help recipients engage in light physical activity, accompany them to community centers, or simply provide companionship during visits. For individuals living alone or with limited family support, these interactions can play a critical role in preventing isolation and depression—factors increasingly recognized as determinants of overall health in aging populations.
Technology is beginning to play a supporting role in enhancing home-based care delivery. Some municipalities have piloted digital platforms that allow care workers to log visits, share updates with families (with consent), and alert supervisors to changes in a recipient’s condition. Telehealth consultations are also being integrated, enabling specialists to consult remotely while the patient remains at home, reducing the burden of travel for those with limited mobility.
Despite its promise, the expansion of home-based care faces ongoing challenges. Workforce shortages remain a persistent issue, particularly in rural areas where recruiting and retaining qualified care workers is difficult. The Ministry of Health and Welfare has acknowledged this in public statements, noting efforts to improve wages, standardize training, and create clearer career pathways for long-term care professionals. Ensuring consistent quality across different regions and service providers continues to require monitoring, and oversight.
Funding mechanisms also play a crucial role. South Korea’s long-term care insurance is jointly financed through premiums paid by employers and employees, government subsidies, and co-payments from beneficiaries based on income level. As demand grows due to demographic trends—South Korea is projected to grow a super-aged society by 2025, with over 20% of its population aged 65 or older—the sustainability of the system is under regular review by policymakers and actuarial experts.
Internationally, South Korea’s approach has drawn interest from other countries facing similar demographic pressures. Delegations from Japan and Singapore have visited Korean care facilities to study aspects of the home care model, particularly its integration of health and social services under a single administrative framework. While direct comparisons are complex due to differences in cultural norms, family structures, and healthcare systems, the emphasis on enabling people to remain in their homes as long as possible resonates across many policy discussions on aging.
For individuals and families navigating the system, access typically begins with an application to the local health center or municipal office. A needs assessment is conducted to determine eligibility and the appropriate level of care, which then informs the development of a personalized care plan. Information about available services, application procedures, and contact details for local offices is published on the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s official website and mirrored on regional government portals.
As of April 2024, the Ministry of Health and Welfare continued to share updates on home-based care initiatives through its social media channels, including video testimonials and infographics explaining how services are coordinated at the neighborhood level. These communications aim to increase public awareness and reduce stigma around seeking support, framing home care not as a sign of decline but as a proactive step toward maintaining quality of life.
The evolution of care in South Korea reflects a broader global trend toward reimagining support systems around the needs and preferences of individuals rather than the convenience of institutions. By centering care in the home, the country is testing a model that values familiarity, autonomy, and community integration—principles that may shape the future of long-term care not only in Korea but in other societies confronting the realities of aging populations.
For the latest official updates on long-term care policies and home-based service developments in South Korea, readers can consult the Ministry of Health and Welfare’s website or contact their local public health center. The ministry regularly publishes annual reports, service guidelines, and informational materials in both Korean and English.
We welcome your thoughts and experiences. Have you or someone you realize benefited from home-based care services? Share your story in the comments below, and consider sharing this article to help others learn about evolving approaches to care and support.