Seoul residents reach 3 million users on health app to boost walking habits

Seoul city officials and residents celebrated reaching 3 million users for the Sonmok Doctor 9988 app, a health management platform that encourages walking.

The city hosted a walking event at Han River Park where nearly 3,000 people participated in a 4km walk and various physical activities. Participants also donated money to a social welfare fund after completing the course. Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon reported that the city's walking practice rate reached 69 percent, the highest in the country.

Data from the Korea National Health Insurance Service showed that app users had lower rates of new diabetes and hypertension cases compared to non-users and spent less on medical expenses. Among elderly users, most reported increased outdoor activity and daily vitality. The city will launch a new health weight management mode on the app starting November 9. This feature allows users to set target weights, track body mass index, and receive recommended diets.

The city also plans to provide sports facility vouchers to residents with a body mass index of 30 or higher.