Busan’s first public ramyeon café, Kkiriramen, created to help reduce social isolation, is set to expand with two new locations this year as interest in the model spreads nationwide.

Dong-gu District announced that a second café will open in Beomil-dong in April, followed by a third location in Sujeong-dong later this year.

The third branch will be designed as a barrier-free space, improving accessibility for people with disabilities.

Funding for the new cafés will come through Busan’s Hometown Love Donation Program, using a designated donation model focused specifically on construction and operations.

Opened in June last year, Kkiriramen allows anyone to cook and eat ramyeon free of charge.

The project was designed to offer a low-pressure, welcoming space for people at risk of isolation, including seniors living alone and socially withdrawn residents.

Over its first six months, the café welcomed more than 6,500 visitors, averaging around 50 people per day.

The initiative has attracted attention beyond Busan. Nam-gu District plans to launch a similar program after the Lunar New Year, while municipalities across Korea have visited the site or requested information, signaling growing interest in Busan’s community-based welfare approach.

Fleet Chinhae

USAG Daegu

Korean