According to a report from the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea, approximately 13.5% of the elderly population in South Korea experience depressive symptoms related to loneliness. This issue is so severe that it leads to a phenomenon called "lonely death," where individuals die alone without anyone noticing. Statistics indicate that around 1.5 million people in South Korea are at risk of dying unnoticed.
This situation has led to a unique trend in South Korea, where the younger generation is adopting stones as pets to combat loneliness and burnout. They take their pet rocks to shopping malls, supermarkets, gyms, and even workplaces. Some people personalize their pet rocks with decorations or names, enhancing their emotional connection and making the rocks feel like true companions. Pet rocks, costing between 6,000 and 10,000 won (approximately $6 to $10), offer a more affordable alternative to traditional pets, allowing people to experience companionship without the financial and time commitments required for living animals.
Many young Koreans find peace of mind and a sense of calm in caring for pet rocks. These simple objects are seen as effective mediums for relaxation and mental clarity, helping to alleviate stress and isolation. Additionally, the tradition of collecting aesthetically pleasing stones, known as suseok in Korea, has deep historical roots. This practice emphasizes the natural beauty and meditative qualities of stones, similar to Japan's suiseki and China's gongshi.
The major causes of this loneliness crisis include the fact that single-person households make up around 31.7 percent of the population, and half of Koreans aged 65 or older live in total isolation. There are several reasons why many South Koreans live alone:
1) Social norms: Social changes have led to a decrease in interest in marriage and having children. Many young people prioritize independence and personal growth over traditional family structures.
2) Financial instability: Financial instability is a significant factor, with about 30 percent of single individuals citing lack of money as a reason for not marrying.
3) Housing prices: Housing prices in major cities like Seoul and Gyeonggi have surged, pushing more people toward smaller living spaces, with 64 percent of younger single-person households paying monthly rent.
4) Rapid aging population: South Korea faces an aging population, resulting in a higher proportion of elderly individuals living alone.
To address these issues, the South Korean government has implemented programs to support single-person households and combat loneliness. The Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) has developed 66 free programs for single-person households, available both online and offline. These programs target five critical areas: housing, safety, health, financial independence, and social networking. For housing, citizens can join DIY interior classes, while self-defense programs enhance safety awareness. Health programs promote exercise and well-being, and financial initiatives aid stability. Socially, recreational activities such as cooking, traveling, and reading foster connections. Examples include “Gimjang Days” for making Kimchi and cooking classes for Christmas. Programs are accessible locally and run until December across 20 districts, adapting to social distancing rules.
Additionally, the Lonely Senior Allowance provides financial support and counseling for seniors aged 65 and older living alone, aiming to reduce loneliness. The Public Silver House initiative plans to offer 40,000 units of subsidized housing, with 5,000 designated for low-income seniors, addressing their housing needs.
In conclusion, South Korea's loneliness crisis spans across all age groups, prompting unique coping strategies like pet rocks and comprehensive government support programs. While these efforts provide some relief, continued innovation and support are essential to effectively combat social isolation and improve overall well-being in the country.
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