Gwangju Social Service Institute to Operate Support Center for Hikikomori

Demand-Oriented Support for a "Gwangju Without Isolation"

Gwangju Social Service Agency recently established a system for the Reclusive Hermit Support Center and appointed Baek Heejeong, the head of the Reclusive Hermit Support Center, along with other staff members. Photo by Gwangju Social Service Agency

A new hub will be established in Gwangju to address the city's issue of social isolation and support the reintegration of Hikikomori individuals into society.

The Gwangju Social Service Institute announced on the 10th that it will operate the Gwangju Hikikomori Support Center, commissioned by the city of Gwangju starting this year, and plans to implement a broader support system and new initiatives.

The Gwangju Hikikomori Support Center aims to resolve the psychological and social difficulties experienced by Hikikomori individuals and their families, and to help them become healthy members of society through step-by-step support.

To this end, the city enacted the nation's first support ordinance in 2019, followed by a survey on Hikikomori and the implementation of the ordinance in 2020. In 2021, a mid- to long-term support plan for Hikikomori was established, and since 2022, the center has been operating to build a social safety net and strengthen resilience.

The newly appointed Gwangju Social Service Institute has recently completed the recruitment of a new center director and staff, remodeled the facility (located in Geumnam-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju), and established an operational plan. The center's operational goal is set as "Realizing a Gwangju without social isolation through empathy and connection," with detailed strategies prepared to achieve this.

The main focus is to expand "demand-oriented customized services" that reflect changes in the internal and external environment as well as the diverse opinions of Hikikomori individuals and their families.

Kim Daesam, president of the Gwangju Social Service Institute, emphasized, "We will establish a robust support system so that individuals experiencing isolation and Hikikomori, regardless of age, can have hope and achieve independence, in close cooperation with the local community."