Seoul battles loneliness with festivals, bingo

“Seoul is offering citizens points, festivals and even bingo cards in an ambitious attempt to tackle one of urban life’s most stubborn modern problems: loneliness. Beginning Thursday, the Seoul Metropolitan Government will launch the first round of its 2026 “365 Seoul Challenge,” a citywide participation program designed to encourage residents to leave their homes, reconnect socially and build healthier daily routines through outdoor and community activities. Under this year’s slogan, “Let’s Go Outside and See the Sun,” participants can choose from 31 challenges ranging from park workouts and walking trails to visits to the Seoul International Garden Show and Han River festivals. City officials say the initiative has become one of Seoul’s signature anti-isolation policies after early surveys showed measurable changes in participants’ behavior and emotional well-being. Seoul residents age 14 and older are eligible to join the program, with registration opening at 9 a.m. Thursday through the official challenge website. Participants can create personalized bingo boards by se

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