A Convenience Store-Style Space for Passive Interaction
Seoul’s “Seoul Without Loneliness” Initiative in Action
The Guardian, a leading British daily, has highlighted Seoul’s “Seoul Mind Convenience Store” initiative, which is part of the city’s “Seoul Without Loneliness” policy. The article featured interviews with citizens who visited the Seoul Mind Convenience Store, introducing how people can alleviate loneliness in everyday spaces.
On July 16 (local time), The Guardian reported, “As South Korea grapples with the epidemic of loneliness, the capital city of Seoul has launched an ambitious program called the Seoul Mind Convenience Store as one solution.”
The Seoul Mind Convenience Store has been operating on a pilot basis since the end of March in Gwanak, Gangbuk, Dobong, and Dongdaemun districts. Citizens who feel lonely can come and go comfortably, enjoy daily activities such as eating instant noodles or soaking their feet, just like at a convenience store, and participate in customized programs.
The Guardian visited the center located in Dongdaemun, describing it as a place where anyone experiencing loneliness can spend time comfortably. The article noted that the space was created based on the idea that not only active communication but also passive interaction can help overcome loneliness.
In The Guardian’s report, a visitor to the Seoul Mind Convenience Store, identified as Eom (53), said, “When I’m feeling down, staying at home makes it worse. Sometimes I have nowhere to go, and even putting on my shoes feels overwhelming, but having a place like this makes me think, ‘I should go there,’ and it becomes easier to go outside.” Eom lives alone and learned about the Seoul Mind Convenience Store through a local newsletter.
Lee, who transformed from someone who experienced isolation to a volunteer, said about the Seoul Mind Convenience Store, “At first, some people don’t speak to anyone at all, but as they become familiar with the space, they gradually begin to open up.”
At the Seoul Mind Convenience Store, in addition to relaxation, visitors can conduct self-diagnosis for loneliness, consult with experts and others who have experienced isolation, and participate in specialized programs designed to alleviate loneliness. As of the end of June, a total of 14,639 citizens had used the Seoul Mind Convenience Store. By age group, 67.4% were seniors aged 65 and older, 24.7% were middle-aged adults, and 4.8% were young adults.
Going forward, the city plans to further develop specialized programs that reflect the main user groups and demand characteristics of each region’s Seoul Mind Convenience Store, so that lonely citizens can communicate and share emotional support.
In addition, “Loneliness Hello 120,” a service where professional counselors provide counseling and emotional support for loneliness, is also receiving a strong response. After launching in April, the service reached its annual target of 3,000 counseling sessions in just one and a half months. As of the end of June, a total of 9,334 counseling sessions had been conducted.
Yoon Jongjang, Director of Welfare at the Seoul Metropolitan Government, said, “As demonstrated by the high level of interest from foreign media, loneliness is a challenge that must be addressed not only by South Korea but by the entire world. We will continue to pursue systematic and multidimensional policies to make Seoul a city without loneliness.”
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