'Embracing lonely neighbors': Busan holds opening ceremony for first Maeumjeombbang location

[Financial News] A professional support space for citizens experiencing psychological and emotional difficulties is being established in Busan.
Busan Metropolitan City Government said it will hold an opening ceremony for Maeumjeombbang No. 1 at 4 p.m. on the 6th at the Banyeo Comprehensive Social Welfare Center in Banyeo-dong, Haeundae District.

The newly opened Maeumjeombbang is an integrated support hub designed to proactively identify citizens experiencing emotional difficulties, including loneliness; support social communication and exchange; and help them return to their daily lives. The name combines the idea of a space for sharing one's feelings with jeombang, an old term for a small shop, and was selected through a citizen survey.
The city developed the unified Maeumjeombbang brand to improve consistency, efficiency and public awareness of its operations. The brand will also be applied to future Maeumjeombbang locations, beginning with the first one.
The city established Maeumjeombbang as a policy initiative after its survey of isolated and withdrawn households last year found strong demand for spaces that are easy and convenient to access, as well as basic meal support. For the first location, the city selected and manages the participating institution, while part of the Banyeo Comprehensive Social Welfare Center was remodeled into a convenient space with funding from the World Vision Busan Office.
Instant meals, including ramen donated by Café zm_illennial in Daeyeon-dong, Busan, have also been stocked so citizens can have a meal without feeling burdened. Personnel participating in senior employment programs and members of the local Community Security Council will support operations on site and help create a warm atmosphere.
Through the opening of Maeumjeombbang, the city plans to proactively identify households experiencing psychological and emotional difficulties, such as loneliness, at an early stage and provide step-by-step support programs based on their level of risk. It also plans to establish an ongoing cooperation system with relevant organizations, including districts and counties, schools, medical institutions and social welfare facilities, to proactively identify isolated and withdrawn households in underserved areas and provide timely, customized services.
[email protected] Byun Ok-hwan Reporter