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The Korean term for lonely deaths, “godoksa,” refers to a broader issue of isolation and loneliness in South Korea.
To address the “lonely deaths” issue, which sees thousands of South Koreans, primarily middle-aged men, pass away alone each year after going unnoticed by their loved ones, authorities in Seoul, the country’s capital, intend to spend 451.3 billion won (about $327 million) over the course of the next five years.
In Korea, these deaths are referred to as “godoksa,” and the government is doing everything it can to combat the widespread issue of loneliness and isolation in the nation. Sometimes, it takes days and even weeks for the authorities to find these bodies, CNN reported.
When Seoul officials announced the $327 million project this week, they said their goal was to “create a city where no one is lonely.”
Additionally, in addition to other follow-up measures like in-person visits and consultations, they will offer loneliness counsellors on a 24/7 hotline and an online platform for similar counselling.
Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon stated in a formal statement that the city’s authorities will use all of their municipal resources to assist those who are lonely in their efforts to recover and “return to society.” Oh Se-hoon stated, “Isolation and loneliness are not merely personal issues; they are challenges that society as a whole must overcome.”
The city also intends to implement a number of other initiatives, such as increased access to psychological services, green areas, healthy meal plans for middle-aged and older adults, and a special “search system” to find the isolated citizens who need assistance.
Additionally, events will be held to inspire people to go outside and make connections with others. According to the CNN report, these include book clubs, gardening, sports, and more.
According to the most recent data released by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in South Korea, 3,661 “lonely deaths” occurred last year, a sharp increase from 3,559 in 2022 and 3,378 in 2021.
However, the ministry in question may have defined “lonely death” more broadly, which could account for some of that increase. Previously, a body had to be discovered after a specific period of time to be considered a “lonely death,” but today the term is used to describe any person who dies by suicide or illness while living in social isolation, away from family and friends.
The demographic crisis in South Korea may also be contributing to this increase. The country has continuously seen more deaths than births in recent years, as evidenced by a declining birth rate and an ageing population. South Korea’s overall death rate, which includes “lonely deaths,” is on the rise. Additionally, more than half of the group consisted of men in their 50s and 60s.