By Hong Hae-rim
Intern
Seoul City has employed 37 counselors to help rehabilitate the homeless taking shelter at major railway stations, city officials said Tuesday.
From July 1, the counselors - 11 men and 26 women - will be placed at Seoul, Yeongdeungpo and Yongsan Stations, the three stations with the most homeless. The counselors will be trained in various skills, such as counseling, and how to deal with drunken attacks.
They will try to help those having difficulties seeking employment, and the related problems being unemployed courses.
In addition, the counselors will also arrange free medical treatment for homeless people in poor health at two hospitals _ Eunpyong Hospital in western Seoul and Dongbu Hospital near Dongdaemun, he added.
"The consultants will encourage the homeless to regain their hope for life via helpful counseling," said the city official in charge of the program, adding that the city plans to recruit additional consultants next year on the outcome of the activities this year.
A total of 516 homeless people have currently taken railway and subway stations as their shelter in Seoul, according to city hall.