到“心灵便利店”治愈孤独（环球走笔）

Core Viewpoint - The "Heart Convenience Store" initiative in Seoul aims to address the growing issue of loneliness in society by providing a space for emotional support and companionship, particularly for the elderly and those feeling isolated [2][3]. Group 1: Initiative Overview - The "Heart Convenience Store" does not sell products but offers emotional support through conversations and companionship, led by volunteer "healing loneliness activist" Lee In-sook [1]. - The initiative is part of the "Seoul, No Longer Lonely" campaign launched by the Seoul city government in October 2022, which includes various services such as psychological health diagnostics and group activities [2][3]. - Since its launch in March 2023, the stores have received over 22,000 visitors by the end of July, with plans to expand to 25 districts by 2027 [2]. Group 2: Demographics and Impact - Approximately 60% of visitors to the "Heart Convenience Store" are elderly individuals seeking companionship, while the remainder includes younger adults looking for psychological support [2]. - A 2022 survey indicated that around 130,000 individuals aged 19 to 39 in Seoul experience loneliness, with about 40% of households being single-person households [2]. - The number of "lonely deaths" in South Korea has been increasing, correlating with the rise in single-person households and changes in traditional family structures [2]. Group 3: Broader Social Context - The "Seoul, No Longer Lonely" initiative is the first systematic approach in South Korea to prevent loneliness and social isolation, also including a 24/7 hotline for support [3]. - The hotline received over 13,000 calls in its first four months, significantly exceeding the annual target of 3,000 calls [3]. - The initiative aims to foster social connections and support networks, addressing the decline in genuine social interactions due to urbanization and digitalization [3].