Mar 10 • 12:18 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

‘Mole House’: A Sanctuary for Isolated and Reclusive Youth... "A place of comfort without having to say anything"

The article discusses 'Mole House,' a sanctuary in Seoul for isolated and reclusive youth, which is facing closure due to redevelopment.

The article introduces 'Mole House,' located in Eunpyeong-gu, Seoul, which serves as a vital space for isolated and reclusive youth. Managed by Lee Eun-ae, the house has been operational since August 2022 but is at imminent risk of demolition due to redevelopment plans. The community space was referred to as a 'senior center for young people' by local elders, emphasizing its role as a gathering place where youth could prepare meals, relax, and share experiences, although the impending closure leaves this created sense of home hanging in uncertainty. The term 'isolated and reclusive youth' refers to those who spend their lives in isolation without engaging in social interactions, often leading to psychological and economic difficulties. According to a survey by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, approximately 540,000 young people, or about 5% of the youth population, fall into this category. Lee argues that the issue is not simply a matter of personal character or choice but rather a complex interplay of societal pressures and the various challenges faced by the youth of today. Since its opening, Mole House has provided services to over 30,000 visitors by February of this year, showing its overwhelming importance. The accounts of individuals like Kim and Lee illustrate the profound impact that the Mole House has had on their lives. Kim, who had been living in isolation for ten years, found solace in the connection created with peers who shared similar experiences. He expressed feelings of anger and potential violence stemming from isolation, but Mole House offered him a refuge, allowing him to feel understood without the need for verbal communication. Similarly, Lee described finding comfort in the environment after suffering from significant trauma due to violence in his life, highlighting how Mole House helps youth navigate their struggles and reengage with the world around them.

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