[Features-reporter] Overcoming loneliness through local community: Seoul’s ‘Mind Convenience Stores’

Believing in the power of local communities, special convenience stores have opened in Seoul to tackle loneliness and isolation.

They offer not just simple meals, but also a place where you can open up your heart.

Our News Features reporter Choi Soo-hyung delivers us the story.

Soup is cooked in a simple instant cooker.

Neighbors gather to chat and share warm food, enjoying a comforting lunch together.

This is “Mind Convenience Store”, a place run by the Seoul Metropolitan government and local district offices.

Here, anyone can come in and enjoy a free meal.

For those living alone, this store becomes a cozy, welcoming space.

"I really like it. We get to enjoy a nice cup of tea and have delightful chats with other seniors. It’s all just so nice."

A report from the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs last year found that nearly 80 percent of single-person households in the country are at risk of dying alone.

The government created this space to overcome loneliness by fostering small local communities with the power of togetherness.

With donated goods from private businesses, the store offers not only shared meals, but also programs to ease loneliness and prevent social isolation.

Through a self-test, people can assess their loneliness, and social workers are on-site for immediate support if needed.

"Visitors can assess their loneliness and, if needed, they go through an additional checklist that looks at daily life and potential crisis areas. Based on the results, we provide counseling, or connect them to special programs offered at Mind Convenience Store, all through a one-stop support system."

Starting in late March, it has now opened in four districts across Seoul in Gangbuk-gu, Dobong-gu, Gwanak-gu, and Dongdaemun-gu.

Although it’s only been open about three weeks, the Dobong-gu store is already welcoming over 60 local residents a day.

"Until now, we didn't have many cozy spaces in the area where locals could gather and talk like this. But the response from the residents has been even better than expected, they are happy to have a place that’s comfortable and easy to use."

The stores plan to launch many programs that will not only target the elderly but also include young adults and middle-aged groups.

In addition, the Seoul Metropolitan government plans to open more Mind Convenience Stores, aiming to have one in each district by 2027.

Choi Soo-hyung, Arirang News.

It's assuring to have these new ideas to help people deal with loneliness, but it's also sad to know we need such measures.

Right, as it shows how big of a problem loneliness has become here in the country.

A survey by the culture ministry last year said roughly seven out of ten Koreans felt lonely on a regular basis.

What it also said is that culture can solve this issue as cultural content can play a positive role in raising people's happiness.

And doesn't Korea have plenty of that to show?

Of course and we have more culture to show in our program, coming up.