In Seoul, community centres offer mind convenience stores as a refuge for individuals experiencing loneliness. These spaces provide amenities such as massage chairs, foot spas, and areas for quiet activities like board games and cooking. With nearly 40% of homes in Seoul being single-person households, the city faces a loneliness epidemic, prompting initiatives like 'Seoul without loneliness'. Mayor Oh Se-hoon has allocated significant funds to address this issue, highlighting the correlation between loneliness and mental health challenges such as low happiness rates and increased suicides.
‘In Seoul, home to nearly 10 million people, single-person households have surged from 16% to nearly 40% of all homes in just over two decades.’
‘A 2022 Seoul Institute survey found that 62% of single-person households report experiencing loneliness, while city estimates suggest 130,000 young people suffer from social isolation.’
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