[2021 Muyeongo Report] Neighbors Didn't Even Know Whether They Were There or Not

<5>The World They Live In

Jungnim-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul... Many Houses Abandoned
"A Grandmother Over 90 Lives Alone
But We Don't Know Why She Lives Solo"

Residential Vulnerability in Mountainous Areas of Seo-gu and Jung-gu, Busan
Elderly Unattached Residents with Frail Bodies
Steep Slopes and Stairs Pose Obstacles

In the alleyways of Jungnim-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, old houses can be easily found. Photo by Lee Jung-yoon leejuyoo@

[Asia Economy Special Investigation Team = Team Leader Ko Hyung-kwang, Reporters Yoo Byung-don, Jung Dong-hoon, Lee Jung-yoon] "There was an elderly grandmother living alone without family. She used to wander around the alleys in the morning and afternoon, but now she is nowhere to be seen. I wonder if she has passed away..."

In the hillside neighborhood of Jungnim-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, where steep slopes line every alley and dilapidated houses abound, a resident we met recalled when asked if they knew about people living alone without relatives. They then described an elderly grandmother. It was said that she never married even after her siblings got married and had families, living past 80 years old. The grandmother, who used to pick up discarded trash every day, disappeared about eight months ago. There has been no news about her, and since her name, age, and address are unknown, the resident often finds their gaze wandering to the paths she used to take, still wondering whether she moved away or passed on.

According to Asia Economy’s comprehensive survey, based on the average annual number of unclaimed deaths and the 2020 population in the area, Jung-gu, Seoul recorded the highest unclaimed death rate per 100,000 people at 30.99. We visited Jungnim-dong, known as one of the areas with poor housing conditions in Jung-gu. Houses long abandoned by people were easily found. Mailboxes were piled with "Water Bill Statements," and "Mail Arrival Notices" were plastered all over the front doors. On some walls, the word "Demolition" was boldly written. When asked about people living alone without family, residents mostly responded with "I don't really know." Mr. Jung (89), who has lived in Jungnim-dong for over 70 years, started the conversation like this: "There is a grandmother over 90 years old living alone without family. But I don’t know why she lives alone."

A hillside neighborhood located in Chojang-dong, Seo-gu, Busan. Photo by Jeong Donghoon hoon2@

Following Jung-gu, Seoul, the unclaimed death rates were also high in Seo-gu and Jung-gu, Busan, where hillside neighborhoods are located. Steep slopes with mountain roads are densely packed with old houses, villas, and small rooms, representing vulnerable housing spaces. Mountain roads refer to roads located at the highest points developed up to the slopes. During the opening of the port, dockworkers lived here, and after the Korean War, refugees gathered in areas such as Chojang-dong and Ami-dong in Seo-gu, Busan, and Daecheong-dong in Jung-gu, Busan, forming hillside neighborhoods. Currently, mainly elderly people reside here, and housing costs are still cheaper than in other areas.

In the Chojang-dong area of Seo-gu, Busan, redevelopment was underway, and many houses showed no signs of life. Small flyers reading "Looking for houses, villas, commercial buildings in this area" were attached to the doors of empty houses. However, there were still people here. Mr. Kim Sang-ho (83), whom we met in a narrow alley between empty houses, initially waved off the interview request but soon began to talk. He said, "It’s hard to see even one person a day here," adding, "Who would come to this hillside to keep me company? I have a son, but it’s been a long time since we last contacted each other." When asked about his life story, he turned his head away again.

Mr. Hwang (93), who has lived here since he was 19, became unclaimed two years ago. He lost his husband over 50 years ago and raised five siblings alone. Although he knows that two of his children live somewhere in Seoul, he has long lost contact with them. The other three passed away before their parents. He said, "The youngest son who lived with me 'ended up like that because of alcohol' and now lives alone receiving government assistance."

A vacant house in Amidong, Seo-gu, Busan has a "No Entry" sign installed. Photo by Byungdon Yoo tamond@

For the elderly, the steep stairs and alleys that seem to reach the sky become obstacles that block interaction with others. When it snows or rains, they are forced to stay inside their homes. If they slip and fall, they could be seriously injured. Mr. Kim (88), who moved to Ami-dong five years ago, has been living completely alone since his only neighbor friend passed away several years ago. Although there is a space beyond the stairs where he could meet other neighbors, he lacks the strength in his legs to attempt it. When feeling lonely and isolated, he says he goes out to the alley in front of his house and stares at the outside scenery for three or four hours. Blocked by the steep slope, he is gradually becoming unclaimed.

Mr. Park (62), who runs a supermarket in Chojang-dong, said, "The sound of ambulances rings out three to four times a month, and each time I think, 'Someone living alone has passed away.'" He added, "Most of the residents nearby are elderly or have chronic illnesses, and since the slopes are difficult to navigate, not only families but also neighbors rarely visit each other." Such living conditions can lead to unclaimed deaths. Professor Park Eun-ha of the Department of Social Welfare at Yongin University explained, "Poor housing environments like hillside neighborhoods affect intangible neighborly relationships and community formation. Bad housing conditions can be a significant factor in social isolation, and when isolated, unclaimed deaths occur."