Lydia Rouka, a graduate student from Frankfurt, Germany Making plans with purpose Going back home was the plan. As she continues her business studies in Seoul, South Korea, she has adopted the tenets of minimalism. Over two and a half years ago, she moved to the bustling city, where she now resides in a 77-square-foot micro-apartment, commonly known as a goshiwon. These homes have become incredibly popular among both students and new arrivals to Seoul, providing flexible, affordable living arrangements.
When moving into her new residence, Lydia was forced to drastically downsize. She organized the bulk of her things. Now, it’s a breeze for her to maneuver in her new home that’s only 8 feet by 9 feet. Prior to getting settled into that micro-apartment, she had spent time living in four different “western-style” apartments geared toward expats and foreign students. She had formerly lived in a traditional Korean-style apartment. It had three tiny bedrooms, plus kitchen and a shared “wet room” bathroom for the tenants.
Lydia’s transition to the micro-apartment happened half way through the semester, making it difficult to find mentoring housing. Once she got over the early shock to the system, though, she settled in and has been thriving in her new surroundings. The space not only feels warm and personal as the student and recent graduate Stewart is, but the rent — $328 per month — makes perfect sense.
Sharing communal facilities with other women on her floor, including a kitchen and laundry room, has fostered a sense of community. Lydia said she was shocked at just how much she had collected after all those years, which made her move even more daunting.
“I’ve never considered myself a minimalist, but this lifestyle kind of made me one by default. And surprisingly, I’ve been loving it!” – Lydia Rouka
Unfortunately, Lydia’s story is becoming the norm for students experiencing housing insecurity in many cities. With rising inflation and a general lack of horizontal space, people around the world are reconsidering how they live. They’re embracing minimalism as a new reality—with their own practical solutions.
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