Seoul Announces 2026 Housing Program for Mental Health Independence

The Seoul Metropolitan Government has issued an initial announcement for the first round of applications for its ‘Self-Sufficiency Housing for Individuals with Mental Illness’ program in 2026. This initiative underscores the city’s commitment to supporting vulnerable residents by providing stable living environments for those recovering from mental health challenges.

These specialized housing units, known as ‘자립생활주택’ (jarip saenghwal jutaeck) in Korean, are designed to facilitate the independent living and social reintegration of individuals with mental health conditions. The program aims to offer a supportive pathway for residents to manage their conditions, develop essential life skills, and achieve greater self-reliance, thereby reducing reliance on institutional care.

As this is an initial notice for the 2026 program, comprehensive details regarding eligibility criteria, specific application deadlines, required documentation, and the exact number of available units are not yet available. These specifics are typically released closer to the actual application period.

Prospective applicants and their families are strongly encouraged to regularly monitor the Seoul Metropolitan Government’s official website and relevant district administrative offices for the release of the full application guidelines. Timely access to this information will be crucial for those planning to apply when the detailed recruitment notice is published.

Source: 서울특별시 — Original Notice (Korean)