In a move that’s catching the attention of both healthcare professionals and local residents, Seoul’s Dongdaemun-gu district has rolled out an ambitious new program designed to help people manage chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes—without ever setting foot in a hospital. Announced on April 13, 2026, this initiative harnesses the power of mobile apps and smart devices to offer round-the-clock, real-time health monitoring and personalized support, according to multiple reports from Korean news outlets.
Dubbed the "mobile chronic disease intensive management" program, Dongdaemun-gu’s latest health service is targeting residents between the ages of 19 and 64 who have been diagnosed with hypertension or diabetes. But it’s not just any patient who can sign up. The focus is on those whose medication period is within six months, who have had blood pressure readings of 140/90 mmHg or higher in the past three months, or who have fasting blood sugar levels at or above 126 mg/dL (or HbA1c of 6.5%). This careful selection, as reported by local media, is intended to prioritize individuals at the early stages of their condition or those struggling to keep their numbers in check.
So, how does it all work? Participants receive a suite of smart devices: a smartwatch, a blood pressure monitor, and a blood sugar meter—complete with five months’ worth of testing supplies. These gadgets aren’t just for show. Residents are encouraged to use them in their daily lives, regularly recording their vital stats. Each measurement is automatically sent to a dedicated mobile healthcare team made up of nurses, nutritionists, and exercise specialists at the Dongdaemun-gu Public Health Center. This team reviews the data in real time and, through the mobile app, offers personalized one-on-one counseling to each participant.
“Through this service, we expect that patients with hypertension and diabetes will be able to receive close management from experts even outside the hospital,” Dongdaemun-gu Mayor Lee Pil-hyung stated, as quoted in the local press. He added, “We will continue to work harder to help residents overcome hypertension and diabetes and improve their health.”
The program’s duration is set at six months, and there’s a big incentive for those who stick with it: upon successful completion, participants get to keep the blood pressure and blood sugar monitoring devices, free of charge. The thinking here is clear—by giving people the tools and know-how to monitor their own health, the district hopes to empower residents to continue managing their conditions independently long after the program ends.
It’s not just about the gadgets, though. The program also offers two HbA1c tests—one before and one after the six-month period—so participants can track their progress. Essential face-to-face education sessions, covering everything from medication adherence to healthy lifestyle choices, are also included. These sessions are designed to help people get the most out of the technology and the expert support, ensuring that everyone is equipped to make lasting changes.
This innovative approach didn’t come out of nowhere. Back in January 2026, Dongdaemun-gu was selected as one of only two districts in Seoul (alongside Gwanak-gu) to participate in the national ICT chronic disease management service contest. Out of 36 applicants nationwide, only these two Seoul districts made the cut, underscoring just how competitive and selective the process was. According to Dongdaemun-gu officials, their selection is a testament to the district’s commitment to leveraging technology for public health and creating a continuous health management environment—one that doesn’t end when a patient leaves the hospital.
The recruitment process is straightforward but competitive. The district is currently enrolling just 40 participants on a first-come, first-served basis. Interested residents can apply via a mobile application site, making the process accessible and user-friendly. However, for safety reasons, diabetic patients who are currently using insulin injections are excluded from the program, as the remote nature of the service may not be suitable for those requiring more intensive, hands-on medical supervision.
For those who are selected, the support is comprehensive. Every day, participants measure their blood pressure and blood sugar, feeding the data back to the healthcare team. This constant stream of information means that any worrying trends—say, a sudden spike in blood sugar—can be spotted and addressed early on, rather than waiting for the next doctor’s appointment. The program also aims to tackle the challenges people face when trying to make healthy lifestyle changes on their own. Diet and exercise recommendations, tailored to each person’s needs and delivered in real time, are a core part of the service.
The broader goal, as explained by Dongdaemun-gu, is to create a sustainable model for chronic disease management that can be maintained outside the traditional hospital setting. By blending technology with expert human support, the district hopes to set a new standard for community health services—one that could be replicated elsewhere in Korea and beyond.
Residents interested in learning more or applying for the program can contact the Dongdaemun-gu Public Health Center’s Chronic Disease Management Team at 02-2127-5466 or 5405. With only 40 spots available, competition is expected to be fierce, but officials are hopeful that the program will eventually expand to reach more people in need.
For now, the spotlight is on Dongdaemun-gu as it leads the way in digital health innovation, showing what’s possible when local government, technology, and healthcare professionals come together with a shared goal: helping people live healthier, more independent lives—one data point at a time.