First survey on integrated community care (지역사회 통합돌봄) — 59 high-demand, low-supply districts; home-care medical centres to reach 650 by 2030
Source material is a Korean government announcement (in Korean).
In the Ministry of Health and Welfare's first integrated care survey, 59 of 229 cities, counties and districts nationwide were found to be 'high-demand, low-supply' areas where care supply falls short of demand, and 40 of them were population-decline areas.
Key facts
| High demand, low supply | 59 of 229 cities, counties and districts (40 of them population-decline areas) |
|---|---|
| Applications and connections | As of 31 August: 93,136 applicants, 78,677 connected (average 3.5 services per person) |
| Fulfilment rates | Home-visit long-term care 96.9%, disability activity support 89.7% / short-term respite care 1.5%, emergency care 7.0%, home-care medical centres 17.7% |
| Expansion plan | Home-care medical centres: 463 at end of September → 650 by 2030 (plan) |
| Start of regional plans | Using the survey results, cities, counties and districts by November; provinces and metropolitan cities by December |
Last checked:
On 13 October 2026 the Ministry of Health and Welfare released the results of the 'Integrated Community Care Survey'. Of 229 cities, counties and districts nationwide, 59 were 'high-demand, low-supply' areas where care service supply falls short of demand, and 40 of these were population-decline areas. As of 31 August, 93,136 people had applied for integrated care and 78,677 had been connected to services (an average of 3.5 services per person). By service, the fulfilment rate was high for home-visit long-term care at 96.9% and low for short-term respite care at 1.5% and the emergency care support programme at 7.0%. The government plans to increase home-care medical centres from 463 at the end of September to 650 by 2030, and local governments will draw up regional plans — cities, counties and districts by November and provinces and metropolitan cities by December.
Summaries below are factual notes based on government announcements and primary sources — not evaluations or opinions.
FAQ
Does a low fulfilment rate mean services are insufficient?
The Ministry of Health and Welfare explained that the fulfilment rate is an indicator diagnosing a potential target for supply that should be expanded from the early stage of the programme, and that it does not mean current services are inadequate but indicates priorities where funding should be concentrated.
Does everyone in the core group become eligible for integrated care?
No. The potential group and core group are policy analysis groups used to assess demand; actual eligibility and services are decided by comprehensively considering each person's health condition, ability to perform daily activities, housing environment and family care situation.