Young individuals engage in digital detox programs at the National Youth Internet Dream Village in Seoul during 2025. [National Center For Youth Internet Addiction Treatment]
The strong attraction of slim, rectangular gadgets that provide access to endless streams of content designed by personalized algorithms has triggered a counter-reaction among certain Koreans.
Digital detoxing, sometimes referred to as digital fasting, involves people intentionally stepping away from their devices for extended periods. This growing trend in Korea aims to counteract the habit of doomscrolling. These detox experiences can take place in various settings, ranging from cozy coffee shops to religious sites.
Seoul's coffee shops are frequently occupied by individuals enjoying large Americanos as they work on their laptops or browse their phones. When they aren't focused on the screen, they're probably capturing images or recording videos.
However, at COUCH Coffee, situated in the Yongsan District near Seoul Station, on May 12, the only thing being tapped is the espresso puck while owner Kim Jun-o prepares another batch of flat whites.
That occurred because Kim prohibited the use of devices in his café when he first opened it several years ago.
The storefront of COUCH Coffee in the Yongsan District of central Seoul, on May 12 [Fergus Goodall Smith]
"There are numerous methods to divert attention from screen time and dopamine rushes in Korea, yet there's no such option within cafe culture. Therefore, I aimed to showcase coffee as one of the ways to step away [from devices]," said Kim.
Kim believes that cafes in South Korea are no longer centered around coffee, but rather social media. "The emphasis is 'in cafe, not coffee,'" he said, expressing a desire for them to return their attention to coffee and its taste. He mentioned going back to the "basics."
Social media, Instagram, YouTube, I believe this is like an addiction," Kim said. "It's very fleeting, and there's nothing substantial for them, no real time.
A number of young Koreans discussed their concerns about excessive screen time, primarily due to short-form content and algorithm-driven platforms. Specialists caution that prolonged screen usage can lead to negative consequences, including higher stress levels and sleep disturbances, highlighting these issues as reasons behind the rising interest in digital detoxes.
Screen time tribulations
Strolling through the Yonsei University campus in central Seoul, it's difficult to miss a shared characteristic among students savoring the final rays of sunlight on a pleasant evening of May 8.
"I'm a user," said Han Joo, a university student. She mentioned to the Korea JoongAng Daily that she spends excessive time on her devices, especially on short-video social media platforms such as YouTube Shorts.
Han mentioned that she attempts to reduce her screen time, but her strategies are not working. "I often feel frustrated because I'm constantly trying to restrict my screen time, yet I keep failing."
Kim Jay, a fellow student at Yonsei University, shared that when he was younger, touchscreens and social media weren't as prevalent as they are today. "Smartphones hadn't become widely popular back then," he said. According to him, modern technology has always been a part of life for the younger generation.
Students using their phones at Yonsei University in Sinchon-dong, central Seoul, on May 15. [Fergus Goodall Smith]
A report published in March of this year by the journal Psychiatry Investigation found that among 231,292 participants, 57 percent of teenagers between the ages of 12 and 18 in South Korea spent more than 4 hours daily on their smartphones. The study also indicated that increased usage was associated with a greater likelihood of feeling lonely, experiencing depressive symptoms, and perceiving higher levels of stress.
Kim Eun-gyeong, a nursing professor at Korea University, stated that recent Korean and global studies indicate a growing connection between too much screen time and mental health issues, particularly in teenagers and young adults.
Professor Kim mentioned that South Korea serves as a notably intriguing case since excessive screen time goes beyond being just an entertainment concern.
"South Korea's high level of connectivity can be both beneficial and challenging," remarked Professor Kim.
It has certainly played a role in boosting economic development, encouraging technological advancements, and enhancing social ease. Yet, it has also made it harder to disconnect from both social and work-related interactions.
In South Korea's intensely competitive environment, there is significant pressure to always be accessible, knowledgeable, and efficient. Consequently, electronic devices serve not only as instruments for work and learning, but also as means of emotional comfort and relaxation.
Screen time statistics provided by a user, with their identity kept confidential, on May 18. [Fergus Goodall Smith]
Professor Kim's comments reflected the experiences of students such as Han.
Lee Ga-young, a counselor at the Internet Addiction Prevention Center's Gyeonggi branch, mentioned to the Korea JoongAng Daily that there is definitely a need for counseling services among university students.
The IAPC is a South Korean organization dedicated to combating excessive reliance on smartphones and the internet. They provide complimentary counseling sessions to anyone who contacts them.
He mentioned that not everyone has significant reliance on their gadgets. "Some individuals aim to use their phones in a more conscious manner, while others are facing more severe issues and wish to address them. There are various categories of people."
Professor Kim cautioned against using raw screen time statistics as the sole indicator of harm and risk. Although some individuals may have high screen time, it is the addictive and compulsive patterns that pose real concerns.
Pick your detox
Another possibility is publicly-supported detox initiatives. The National Youth Internet Dream Village in Muju County, North Jeolla, offers ongoing residential programs aimed at digital detox and promoting balanced technology use.
The manager of Dream Village, Shin Yong-chool, stated that the camps have been running since 2014, with 22 participants each year and 24 in every group. Shin mentioned that the camps are intended for younger individuals facing more severe device-related addiction issues. "A large number of the students attending the camps are so dependent on their phones that they avoid going to school," Shin explained.
Young individuals participate in detox programs at the National Youth Internet Dream Village in Seoul during 2025. [National Center For Youth Internet Addiction Treatment]
The camp functions similarly to a rehabilitation center for teenagers. Participants struggle with daily activities due to their reliance on smartphones and other gadgets.
Another online detox location is GoDok Stay, situated on Gyeongui Line Book Street in Hongdae. GoDok was created as a space for visitors to experience a feeling of seclusion. Guests would physically place their devices in cages and then concentrate on mindfulness exercises for two hours, resembling a brief temple retreat.
GoDok Stay has recently closed, but Si-jun, a friend of the owner who is currently working in the area, mentioned it was challenging to generate revenue from this kind of venture.
The concealed entrance to GoDok Stay, a former "digital detox center" located in Hongdae, western Seoul, on May 15. [Fergus Goodall Smith]
Si-jun mentioned that customers value "human-to-human interaction" more than simply being isolated without their devices. She now utilizes the GoDok Stay for "social journaling." Friends and strangers come together to write, resembling a small brainstorming group. The topics typically revolve around their careers, objectives, and interests.
Si-jun mentioned that journaling serves as a method for individuals to exchange thoughts and guidance, rather than, for instance, promptly consulting an AI chatbot for assistance.
A café located in Hongdae called Unplugged does not enforce a strict rule against electronic devices, yet it stands out by serving as a space for creativity, encouraging musicians to play their music, typically acoustic guitar, while enjoying their coffee and taking a break from technology.
Walking into the store, most customers are engaged in exchanging ideas, holding guitars, or appear to be deep in thought while softly playing them. The only person using a laptop is the owner.
Cafe Unplugged, a place where patrons can discover a creative space, located in Hongdae, western Seoul, on May 8. [Fergus Goodall Smith]
Back to basics
Some individuals prefer a more conventional approach to their mindfulness practice.
Jun Ye-lin, a student at Yonsei University, mentions that attending church helps her unwind. "Every Sunday when I go to church, I typically avoid using my phone for 8 or 9 hours."
Jun mentioned that being without her device for such an extended period made her feel more socially engaged. "I feel as though I can connect with more individuals; it's like a digital detox."
Professor Kim mentioned that Seoul has experienced a slow rise in cafes and other locations that also serve as wellness-focused areas, along with mindfulness initiatives designed to help visitors minimize their smartphone usage and engage more fully in real-world settings.
"Additionally, it appears there is increasing public attention on maintaining a balance between online and offline activities," stated Kim.
Detoxing goes beyond simply stepping away from a device; it involves setting aside time to be fully present, allowing your mind to roam freely without the danger of being caught in an algorithm's grasp.
Although it is uncertain if digital detoxes will become widely adopted, more individuals are evidently looking for a way to reduce their screen time.
Kim Jun-o of COUCH Coffee believes Koreans could benefit from more experiences like that.
Most of the time, Koreans don't even have the chance to reflect," he said. "We need to take time to be alone and stay in the moment. I just wanted to convey that maybe we all need that.
BY FERGUS GOODALL SMITH [fergus.gs@joongang.co.kr]
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