KarunaNews Story

The bustling city of Seoul has found an innovative way to combat loneliness: mind convenience stores. Combining the cozy vibe of a café with the familiar appeal of local stores, these spaces offer everything from foot spas to cooking corners, creating a haven for those seeking solace. The initiative aims to tackle the "subjective emotional state that exists before isolation and withdrawal," notes Kim Se-heon, from Seoul’s new anti-loneliness department. Visitors to the center can savor a quick bowl of instant noodles or simply soak in the calm, with counselors on standby for those desiring deeper connections. One of its visitors, Eom Mi-hui, describes it as "a place to belong" when home becomes suffocating. The concept has shattered expectations, with people flocking even from outside Seoul in search of a respite where "genuine human connection" is prioritized-a luxury money simply can't buy.