B2 – Upper Intermediate
Seoul, one of Asia’s busiest and most connected cities, is facing a growing challenge: loneliness. In response, the city is trying new ways to bring people together, improve mental health, and make the community more welcoming.
Let’s read the article and learn how Seoul is investing over $330 million in a five-year plan to help alleviate loneliness.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What is the meaning of the phrase “to draw on a touchstone“? “The “convenience store” concept deliberately sidesteps stigma while drawing on a touchstone of Korean culture.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
- What does “to pull oneself together” mean? “I became powerless and didn’t want to do anything,” she recalls. “But I had children to raise, so I had to pull myself together.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
- What does “to feel low” mean? “When you’re feeling low, staying at home just makes things worse.” Use it in a sentence and give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you think about Seoul’s mind convenience stores?
- Will these mind convenience stores really help people feel less alone in a city like Seoul? Why or why not?
- How well do you think this kind of place fare in your own city/country?
- How does your country/the government addresses the issue of loneliness among the citizens?
- What’s your thought on this, “The idea is that even passive interactions can help combat the city’s loneliness epidemic.“?
- Share your thoughts on this, “62% of single-person households report experiencing loneliness, while city estimates suggest 130,000 young people suffer from social isolation.“
- Share your view on this, “The centre represents something that formal services often miss: genuine human connection. That’s something money can’t buy.“