"The space that used to feel like a military barracks has now changed to feel like a home. It used to be a setup where 4 to 5 people shared a cramped room, but by remodeling into single and double rooms, we greatly reduced not only the spread of infectious diseases but also conflicts among users. Above all, satisfaction is high because there is less invasion of privacy."
Director Ji Seung-hyeon of Danielle Welfare Home met with a reporter on the 9th and described the changes from the residential environment improvement project carried out with Seoul city support in 2024.
Danielle Welfare Home was established in 1955 to protect war orphans created by the Korean War. Its name at the time was "Christian Village." This facility, which began in Gwangjin-dong, Seongdong District, Seoul, transferred to Naegok-dong, Seocho District, in 1997 and changed its name to "Danielle Welfare Home." Currently, 52 people with disabilities live here.
◇ "Home, Sweet Home"… into a home-like space
The interior newly refurbished with Seoul city financial support was markedly different from before. Warm yellow lighting blended with natural light through expanded windows to create a cozier atmosphere. An open lounge was placed at the center to open up the view and provide a common space where residents can naturally gather and talk. Ji said, "In the past, there was no such communal lounge."
Although the living rooms are not large, unnecessary furniture was minimized to improve space efficiency. Double rooms have two single beds and a shared desk, while single rooms have a single bed and a small table. The layout centers on rest.
The residents we met that day were playing computer games or resting in their own rooms. One resident resting in a common area said, "I now have a space to keep my belongings separately," adding, "I like that I can decorate my room to my taste."
The bathrooms were also overhauled. Instead of the previous multi-user shared toilets, seven independent bathrooms usable by one person at a time were installed. Of these, one was designated exclusively for those with contagious illnesses such as the flu.
Kim Seung-heon, 17, who has lived here for nine years, said, "In the past, 5 to 6 people stayed in one room, but now only two use it, so it's much more comfortable," adding, "Switching from sleeping on the floor to living with beds has made both my body and mind comfortable." Kim said, "During winter break, I like being able to spend time alone listening to music," adding, "I'm happiest when I listen to songs by my favorite singer, Lee Moo-jin."
◇ 16 billion won to be invested by 2028… moving away from the "corridor-style" layout
Seoul city is expanding its project to improve the environment of residential facilities for people with disabilities. It plans to invest a total of 16 billion won by 2028 to improve 30 residential facilities. From 2024 through last year over two years, it improved the environments of nine residential facilities and 10 trial homes that prepare residents for returning to the community.
Until now, residential facilities for people with disabilities generally had a "group living" layout, centered on a long corridor with 4 to 5 people using one room. These are being converted into living spaces centered on single and double rooms. The number of bathrooms has increased and lighting brightened, and kitchen spaces where people can chat have been added. For older people with severe disabilities, care staff and equipment were reinforced to allow for the management of geriatric illnesses.
Oh Se-hoon, the mayor of Seoul, announced the "2530 daily vitality project for people with disabilities" in Sep. last year, saying, "Existing facilities for people with disabilities often had corridor-style layouts where multiple people stayed in one room and were cut off from the local community," adding, "From now on, we will shift to life-centered spaces that support independence." He added, "We will expand housing choices so that people with disabilities can live stably where they want, and provide integrated services linking housing, jobs, care, culture, and medical care."
Seoul city invested 616.65 million won of city funds in 2024 to complete improvement work at Danielle Welfare Home. In addition, it invested a total of 3.07803 billion won to improve five facilities, including Youngnak Aenia Home in Yongsan District, Ingangwon in Dobong District, and Gyonam Stream in Paju, Gyeonggi. Last year, it supported 2.47393 billion won for remodeling at facilities including Nurim Home in Gimpo, Gyeonggi; Saengsu's House in Pocheon; Siloam Hyomyung's House in Yangju; and H2 Ville in Gangseo District.
Seoul city plans to carry out an additional call for applications for residential facilities and trial homes in the first half of this year.
Yoon Jong-jang, head of welfare at Seoul city, said, "Providing personal space for people with disabilities living in group settings is an expression of respect for life," adding, "We will continue to push policies to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities."