{"id":2206537,"date":"2024-09-19T15:54:52","date_gmt":"2024-09-19T06:54:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/?p=2206537"},"modified":"2024-09-20T16:08:30","modified_gmt":"2024-09-20T07:08:30","slug":"homelessness-in-south-korea-remains-underreported-and-under-supported","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koreapro.org\/2024\/09\/homelessness-in-south-korea-remains-underreported-and-under-supported\/","title":{"rendered":"Homelessness in South Korea remains underreported and under-supported"},"content":{"rendered":"
Seoul will become the first Asian city to host the men\u2019s soccer <\/span>Homeless World Cup<\/span><\/a> this week, drawing attention to the challenges South Korea\u2019s homeless population often faces.<\/span><\/p>\n While homelessness is spotlighted through such <\/span>events<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>films<\/span><\/a>, many South Koreans remain unaware of the deep-seated issues confronting the homeless, who frequently experience social stigma and exclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n Government data indicates a steady decline in homelessness, but activists and researchers argue that these figures obscure more critical problems, such as the difficulty of accessing housing and essential services.<\/span><\/p>\n Surveys identify unemployment, business failures and family breakdowns as the leading causes of homelessness, with economic downturns, a housing crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbating the issue in recent years.<\/span><\/p>\n One contributing factor is South Korea\u2019s narrow definition of homelessness, which restricts who qualifies for government support.<\/span><\/p>\n Experts contend that a broader focus is needed, emphasizing quality of life improvements rather than simply reducing homelessness statistics.<\/span><\/p>\n FALLING SHORT<\/b><\/p>\n South Korea\u2019s estimates of its homeless population suggest the issue is relatively limited, but this impression is partly due to the restrictive definition of homelessness and issues with representation.<\/span><\/p>\n