CRI

 [ABSTRACT]

■ Background and Purpose

As of July 2025, adults aged 65 and over account for 20.7% of South Korea’s population, and the pace of population aging is accelerating.

Because demographic aging affects population structure, labor markets, care systems, and housing and transportation, a systematic, society-wide

response is required. In this context, the development of age-friendly cities (AFCs) has expanded globally and domestically. AFCs are communities 

designed with systems and infrastructure that support healthy, active living across the life course. Despite the expansion of the WHO's Global 

Network for Age-friendly Cities and Communities (GNAFCC), and a national legal basis for AFCs in Korea, Chungcheongbuk-do faces an older 

adult share above the national average and a faster pace of aging, necessitating focused efforts. This study diagnoses the age-friendly conditions in 

Chungcheongbuk-do and provides foundational evidence for future policy design, in alignment with the provincial government’s goal of advancing 

age-friendly development.

■ Key Findings

This study reviewed preceding research, the WHO Age-Friendly Cities and Communities guidelines, and domestic cases, and conducted an analysis of age-friendliness using administrative statistics, nationwide survey data, and Chungcheongbuk-do’s ordinances and key programs related 

to older adults.

Analysis of Chungcheongbuk-do's age-friendliness revealed six relevant ordinances that establish an institutional foundation, primarily focusing on 

welfare services and social participation. The enactment of three related ordinances in July 2025 signals the provincial government's commitment to 

strengthening policies for an aging society. However, the current framework remains narrowly welfare-centric, lacking concrete implementation 

systems, evaluation and feedback mechanisms, and specific financial support standards, which limits effectiveness. 

Furthermore, mapping the Provincial Community Welfare Plan (2023–2026) to the WHO’s eight domains indicates relatively stronger coverage in 

Community Support and Health Services, Social Participation, and Civic Participation and Employment, whereas Outdoor Spaces and Buildings, 

Transportation, Communication and Information, and Respect and Social Inclusion are under-addressed—particularly policies that improve mobility, 

the physical environment, and digital accessibility for older adults.

■ Policy Implications

To build substantive momentum for AFC development in Chungcheongbuk-do, the AFC concept should be redefined and the policy architecture 

realigned, with priority on redesigning core domains—housing, transportation, safety, and digital services.

A critical perspective shift is also required: older adults must be seen not as policy beneficiaries but as policy agents and implementers, with their 

regular, structured participation institutionalized. Key strategies are to (1) establish province-tailored indicator sets that reflect local geographic and 

social characteristics, (2) mandate regular surveys on the status of older adults and use the results as policy evidence, (3) install a dedicated 

coordinating body, (4) strengthen the province’s role in standard-setting and support for municipalities, and (5) create a continuous feedback loop for 

routine policy review and evaluation.