Seoul Residents Walk 1.4 Times More Than National Average, 'Wrist Doctor' Program Proves Effective

Seoul ranked first among Korea's 17 metropolitan cities and provinces in a survey measuring the proportion of people who walked at least 10 minutes at a time, for a total of 30 minutes or more daily, on at least five days during the past week. The city also topped the nation in "healthy lifestyle practice rate," which encompasses smoking cessation, reduced alcohol consumption, and walking. Analysts attribute these results largely to the Seoul Metropolitan Government's smart health management service "Wrist Doctor 9988."

According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government on Wednesday, the city's "walking practice rate" reached 69.0% in the Korea Community Health Survey (KCHS) recently released by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency, approximately 20 percentage points higher than the national average of 49.2%. Seoul's healthy lifestyle practice rate also stood at 54.3%, about 18 percentage points above the national average of 36.1%.

The Community Health Survey is conducted annually nationwide to establish regional public health and medical plans, with approximately 22,000 participants surveyed in Seoul. The city's walking practice rate has increased every year from 2021 to this year, and the healthy lifestyle practice rate has also shown an upward trend annually.

Results in smoking, drinking, and obesity also improved from the previous year. The "current smoking rate" fell to 14.9% from 15.7% the previous year, while the "high-risk drinking rate" decreased to 10.1% from 11.4%. The obesity rate also declined slightly from 31.0% to 30.2%.

The city cited the successful establishment of Wrist Doctor 9988 as the reason for the annual improvement in citizens' health indicators. Wrist Doctor 9988, whose name embodies the meaning "stay healthy (88/palpal) until age 99," is a service that encourages voluntary health management by awarding points convertible to Seoul Pay when users walk more than 8,000 steps daily (5,000 steps for those aged 70 and above). Since its launch in 2021, the program has become a flagship smart health management service with 2.6 million current users.

Pattern analysis of Wrist Doctor participants shows they walk an average of 8,692 steps daily, with those in their 60s being the most active at an average of 9,361 steps. Survey results also indicate that participants who consistently achieved their walking goals three or more times per week saw medical cost increases approximately 270,000 won lower than general participants.

Stories submitted to the "Wrist Doctor 9988 Best Essay Contest" held by the city last month frequently described how the program helped participants regain health and hope. One participant, identified as Ms. A, had gained more than 30 kg after high school graduation and struggled with daily life due to polycystic ovary syndrome and joint pain. By actively utilizing Wrist Doctor 9988's walking missions, health records, and diet and weight management features, she returned to the 60 kg range and recovered enough fitness to complete a half marathon.

To help more citizens maintain healthy daily lives, the city launched the "Wrist Doctor 9988 Super App" service on January 1. The enhanced program awards an additional 500 points for walking 8,000 steps five or more times per week, and 5,000 points for completing reservations and measurements at fitness certification centers. Customized rewards have also been expanded, including up to 25,000 points for completing metabolic syndrome tests and challenges at public health centers.

"Seoul is expanding the ecosystem for citizens' health practices by strengthening customized health policies," said Lee Dong-ryul, Director of the Citizens' Health Bureau at the Seoul Metropolitan Government. "We will continue working to make Seoul a healthy city where all citizens can live healthily and happily."