A Seoul Metropolitan Government initiative providing companion plants to socially isolated young adults has led to decreased depression levels and improved self-efficacy among participants. (Image courtesy of Seoul City)
SEOUL, Nov. 6 (Korea Bizwire) – A Seoul Metropolitan Government initiative providing companion plants to socially isolated young adults has led to decreased depression levels and improved self-efficacy among participants, according to city officials on November 5.
The program, which marks a crucial first step in encouraging social participation among isolated youth, has shown tangible benefits in emotional recovery. With its expansion this year to include vulnerable workers, the initiative is expected to offer comfort and improved quality of life to an even broader population.
The city began distributing companion plants to low-income and elderly residents in 2017, extending the program to include isolated young adults last year. The youth-focused initiative is directly managed by the city, while the elderly program operates through district offices.
Scientific research has confirmed that companion plants not only purify air but also provide emotional healing benefits, including reduced depression and loneliness.
Public interest in the initiative has grown significantly, leading to increased sales of home gardening supplies and even spawning the new term “plant butler” for those who care for plants like family members.
Last year, 502 isolated young adults received easy-to-care-for plants such as Kentia palms. Of these participants, 302 also joined face-to-face horticultural therapy programs designed to reduce depression and loneliness.
Seoul became the first city nationwide to implement such specialized emotional healing programs for isolated youth, offering customized support through three professional institutions based on participants’ degree of isolation.
The program’s effectiveness was demonstrated in a satisfaction survey of 302 participants, showing an impressive 90.9% satisfaction rate. Participants reported improvements in relationships, self-understanding, emotional stability, and stress relief.
Quantitative measurements showed significant improvements in mental health metrics. Self-efficacy scores increased from an average of 22.9 to 30.2 points, while depression levels decreased from 21.2 to 14.8 points, marking an improvement from moderate to mild depression on the clinical scale.
“Many isolated young adults struggle with basic social contact,” a city official explained. “Even the simple act of going out to receive a plant or participating in group programs holds significant meaning for their recovery.”
The program has also expanded to serve vulnerable workers this year, including caregivers, school cafeteria workers, store clerks, and temporary instructors, with 200 participants. Additionally, 4,530 elderly and 260 disabled individuals received support through the initiative in 2023.
Looking ahead, the city plans to maintain similar program scales next year, continuing its mission to improve the emotional well-being and living environments of isolated youth, elderly, disabled individuals, and vulnerable workers.
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
