For Reclusive and Marginalized Young Single-Person Households
Gwangju Nam-gu (District Mayor Kim Byungnae) announced on the 14th that it will launch the "Warm Jumeokbap Shelter" project for young single-person households who struggle to form social relationships due to isolation and reclusive lifestyles.
The Warm Jumeokbap Shelter, being attempted for the first time in the Gwangju area, was inspired by the jumeokbap (rice balls) that citizens shared during May 1980 as they united to build a community and create a more inclusive society.
According to a survey conducted by Nam-gu last year, out of a total of 95,005 households in the area, single-person households accounted for 37,471 (39%). Among them, young single-person households numbered 10,121, making up 27% of all single-person households in the region.
Accordingly, the district plans to operate the Warm Jumeokbap Shelter starting in April to help resolve the sense of social isolation among reclusive and marginalized young single-person households and to encourage them to go out. The Warm Jumeokbap Shelter will be set up at three locations: Cheongnyon Warak near Baegun Square, Dalmoe Community Center in Wolsan-dong, and the annex of Inae Welfare Center in Bongseon-dong.
As a rest area for young single-person households, the operating costs will be covered by government subsidies and local funds, and three local comprehensive social welfare centers will be in charge of overall operation. Young people living alone in the area can freely use the shelters from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and enjoy a simple free meal such as self-made jumeokbap or cup noodles.
A district official stated, "We will do our best to ensure that young single-person households can use the Warm Jumeokbap Shelter comfortably, from opening the facilities to ongoing management," and added, "We sincerely support young people so they can design a hopeful future and spread their wings with confidence."
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