The Guardian, a leading British daily newspaper, has put a spotlight on Seoul’s loneliness alleviation policy called the “Seoul Mind Convenience Store.” On the 16th (local time), The Guardian reported, “Korea is responding to the epidemic of loneliness, and Seoul has launched the ‘Seoul Mind Convenience Store’ as one solution to address it.”
The ‘Seoul Mind Convenience Store’ is a specialized space that has been piloted by Seoul since the end of March in four locations including Gwanak, Gangbuk, Dobong, and Dongdaemun. As the single-person household increases and the phenomenon of isolation intensifies, it is designed so that citizens can comfortably visit, share their feelings, and receive necessary support.
The Guardian, based on coverage of the Dongdaemun branch, introduced it as “a place where any citizen experiencing loneliness can feel comfortable staying.” It emphasized that even passive interactions, such as simple conversations and spending time together, can help alleviate loneliness.
Citizens visiting the store receive emotional support through counseling, participating in programs, or simply resting in their own way. The article also introduced the case of a citizen who transitioned from being isolated to becoming a volunteer.
Last December, Seoul signed agreements with private companies and stocked donated food (such as beef seaweed soup and Seoul ramen) in the convenience store to offer warm meals and opportunities for interaction to its users.
According to Seoul city officials, as of the end of June, the cumulative number of visitors to the ‘Seoul Mind Convenience Store’ was 14,639, with those aged 65 and older accounting for 67.4%, followed by middle-aged groups at 24.7%, and youth groups at 4.8%.
Reflecting the characteristics and demands of users at each location, the city plans to diversify future programs and support lonely citizens to communicate regularly.
The ‘Seoul Mind Convenience Store’ is part of ‘Loneliness-Free Seoul,’ a comprehensive policy announced by Seoul last October to alleviate loneliness. This policy aims not only to prevent solitary deaths but also to prevent loneliness, re-isolation, and reclusiveness.
In addition to the ‘Seoul Mind Convenience Store,’ the city of Seoul operates the ‘Loneliness Goodbye 120’ counseling service. With professional counselors available 24 hours to provide psychological support and consultations on loneliness, a total of 9,334 consultations had been conducted from the service’s commencement on April 1 to the end of June, which is three times the annual target.
Jong-Jang Yoon, Director of Welfare at Seoul City, stated, “The Seoul Mind Convenience Store is a healing space accessible to everyone,” and emphasized, “As loneliness is a global issue that needs to be resolved together, we will continue to make systematic policies to create a city without loneliness.”