In 2018, Kim Ji-ung, a salesman in his early 30s, lived in Seoul, the capital of South Korea, feeling perpetually alone. His daily routine consisted of working and isolating himself in his apartment, with no one to talk to. The decisive moment came when a close friend of his collapsed and died at their workplace, prompting Kim to question his own mortality and make a challenging decision to leave Seoul, a city with a decreasing population of young adults due to factors like high costs and desk jobs characterized as “Hell Joseon.”
Despite its technological and cultural prowess, Seoul’s youth faces struggles with a societal emphasis on corporate success and familial obligations, leading to a challenging work-to-survive lifestyle. South Korea’s government is aware of these issues and has launched initiatives like the “Seoul Without Loneliness” plan to create a support network for young people.
Kim’s escape led him to “Don’t Worry Village” in Mokpo, a community created by Hong Dong-joo, another former Seoul resident who envisioned a life beyond the city’s corporate confines. Though Don’t Worry Village represents a prototype for inclusive communities outside Seoul, many young adults still opt to seek opportunities abroad, facing the intense societal judgements and demands to succeed in their chosen careers and personal lives.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2025/8/19/dont-worry-village-the-young-s-koreans-who-left-seoul-seeking-community?traffic_source=rss
