Hee-kyung bursts into laughter as she enters one of Seoul's newly launched "warm-hearted convenience stores". At just 29 years old, she may not fit the profile of the typical visitor but finds solace in the community-focused environment the South Korean capital has implemented to tackle rising loneliness. Daily, she enjoys free ramen and socializing with staff and fellow patrons, declaring, “another day, another escape from feeling lonely.”
Having severed ties with her family and with friends living afar, Hee-kyung's experience reflects a broader social issue. With an estimated 130,000 young people aged 19 to 39 in Seoul feeling socially isolated, the store aims to reach those left behind by society's rapid urbanization and changing family structures. Most visitors, often in their 40s and 50s, are drawn to the store’s cozy aesthetic and communal vibe—a stark contrast to the solitary lives many lead.
On any given day, visitors relax on bean bags or share snacks. The atmosphere is warm and inclusive, fostering small social interactions. Kim Se-heon, manager of the city's Loneliness Countermeasure Division, notes how initiating movie days encourages patrons to bond over shared entertainment. “Ramen symbolizes warmth in South Korea,” he adds, reflecting its comforting nature.
Lee In-sook, a volunteer counselor at the store, connects deeply with the lonely and acknowledges the pain of isolation, sharing her own journey. The initiative was driven by concerns over a rising number of solitary deaths, prompting city officials to innovate programs aimed at fostering community ties.
Seoul echoes other global efforts to address loneliness, following the UK's appointment of a Minister for Loneliness. The city has opened a hotline for emotional support, responding to a nationwide survey that reveals many adults lack someone to confide in.
The Dongdaemun store was strategically located near low-income housing, creating a welcoming space for residents in need of connection. Visitors such as Sohn, 68, reveal that these stores are more than just a refuge; they are a critical resource for those lacking affordable social outlets.
Beyond providing food and friendship, the convenience stores help reduce the societal stigma around seeking help for mental health. Many visitors initially hesitate to engage, indicating the deep-seated impact of prolonged loneliness. Yet over time, the supportive environment fosters openness, as shown when Hee-kyung, once silent, embraced counselor In-sook after sharing a moment of vulnerability.
In a society grappling with loneliness, these innovative spaces represent hope and bridge gaps for those who feel marginalized.
