Seoul has launched “mind convenience stores” to address its growing loneliness crisis. These community spaces, inspired by Korea’s ubiquitous convenience stores, offer residents a place to rest, eat, play games, or watch films without pressure to interact. Counsellors are available for those seeking deeper support.
Loneliness has surged alongside single-person households, now nearly 40% of Seoul homes. Surveys show 62% of these households report feeling lonely, and nationwide, over 3,600 “lonely deaths” were recorded in 2023. Mayor Oh Se-hoon’s five-year, £242m “Seoul without loneliness” initiative seeks to tackle this issue before it escalates to isolation.
The Dongdaemun branch, one of four pilot sites, draws residents like Eom Mi-hui, 53, who appreciates the low-pressure environment, and Lee Won-tae, 51, who visits daily for a quiet place to rest. Visitors complete a brief loneliness assessment and can access services accordingly.
Social workers and volunteers, such as Yoo Dong-heon and Lee In-sook, provide support and peer guidance, helping visitors connect with welfare services or simply experience human connection. The initiative emphasises addressing loneliness itself—rather than only crisis situations—through accessible, stigma-free spaces and 24-hour hotlines.
By blending familiarity, care, and passive social interaction, Seoul’s mind convenience stores aim to create a sense of belonging for residents struggling with isolation.
Photo ©️unsplash.com
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