At home, South Korean citizens are increasingly growing lonely. This trend has put enough pressure on city officials across the country that they have begun to act to address this urgent social plague. The Loneliness Countermeasure Division, headed by Kim Se-heon, has developed groundbreaking initiatives to combat loneliness. To do so they’re concentrating on Seoul, where almost 40% of all households consist of just one person. The city’s efforts include the opening of four convenience stores designed to provide companionship and comfort to those feeling disconnected from society.
Social withdrawal has become a widespread problem in South Korea, echoing the phenomenon in Japan called “hikikomori.” Now every South Korean is getting a taste of this growing trend. A nationwide survey conducted in 2023 revealed that one-third of Korean adults lack someone to turn to for assistance with daily tasks or emotional support. This disturbing trend has led to a rise in “lonely deaths.” In these situations, people pass away in solitude with no one to check on them, leading to many of these deceased souls remaining undiscovered for days or weeks.
That first convenience store, the one in Dongdaemun, has around 70 to 80 people a day coming through. Among them is Hee-Kyung, who frequents the store every day to enjoy free instant ramen noodles and engage in conversations with fellow visitors and social workers. To Hee-Kyung, the shop is more than a place to get coffee – it’s an essential space for social connection and solace.
“I tell myself, ‘another day, another escape from feeling lonely’,” – Hee-Kyung
Lee Yu-jeong, who runs one of Seoul’s anti-loneliness programs. Communication is a core element of WHO’s work. She has seen first hand how the COVID-19 pandemic has damaged social relationships.
“Perhaps it was the pandemic that led to this,” – Lee Yu-jeong
She calls for an all-society approach to tackling loneliness, treating it more like the societal issue that it is. “People today express how difficult it is to have a network of friends. Loneliness has become something that needs to be tackled as a society,” she stated.
With families getting smaller after generations of out-migration from our neighborhoods into the suburbs, the case for inclusive community spaces grows with each passing day. It’s reminiscent of the cozy “living room” designs favored by campus convenience stores today. They offer a warm environment for guests to linger and experience connection as a community. They create an environment that removes the intimidation typical of making connections in conventional social settings.
Sohn, a 68-year-old, Dongdaemun store regular, coming in once a week to enjoy movies and avoid his small, irksome home life. In his letter, he describes the realities for so many of today’s older adults who are lonely.
“Places cost money, going to the cinema costs money,” – Sohn
The integrator owned convenience stores offered complimentary ramen to their patrons. In doing so, they craft welcoming atmospheres where their patrons can meet and bond over shared interests and creative pursuits.
Lee In-sook a counselor on one of these shops explains the psychological toll of just asking if you’re OK.
“You know the saying that the least tasty meal is the one you are having alone? I ask older people who come in if they were eating okay. They would tear up, just being asked that question,” – Lee In-sook
This humane, person-focused orientation highlights the need for additional channels that deliver not only food resources but emotional sustenance too. In addition to economic influence, ramen represents considerable cultural value for South Korea as Kim Se-heon explains.
“Ramen is a symbol of comfort and warmth in South Korea,” – Kim Se-heon
The initiative has attracted support from all sectors, with officials understanding the necessity of reducing loneliness in their communities. As social dynamics evolve and urban landscapes transform into sprawling metropolises, programs like these represent crucial steps toward creating supportive environments for those feeling isolated.
Since opening in March, nearly 20,000 people have visited the four participating convenience stores. Each visit is an opportunity to foster connection and emotional support during a time when loneliness has been reported to be on the rise throughout South Korea.