A student chooses to live in tiny micro-apartment, discovering that minimalist lifestyle brings unexpected freedom and mental clarity.
Lydia Rouka, a 27-year-old graduate student, has found a new way of living in Seoul, South Korea.
She moved into a tiny 77-square-foot micro-apartment, also known as a goshiwon.
This small space has changed her life and allowed her to embrace a minimalist lifestyle.
Lydia moved to Seoul and downsized her belongings.
Lydia is an international student studying business. She moved to Seoul over two years ago from Frankfurt, Germany.
Before settling into her current home, Lydia lived in various shared houses and apartments.
This is her sixth move in the city, but it is her first time living in a goshiwon.
Goshiwons are popular among students and newcomers in Seoul. They often fill up quickly at the start of each semester.
Lydia moved in during the semester, making it harder to find a room.
She ended up choosing one of the smallest rooms available, which required her to downsize her possessions significantly.
She embraced minimalism and found freedom in simplicity.
Before moving into her micro-apartment, Lydia had to get rid of many of her belongings. She realized how much stuff she had accumulated over the years. “I was honestly overwhelmed by how much stuff I had accumulated.
“It made me realize how much we consume without thinking and how little we actually need.
“I donated and gave away a lot, and it felt incredibly freeing.”
Lydia never thought of herself as a minimalist, but living in such a small space has made her one by default.
Lydia said: “Four of my past places were ‘western-style’ apartments targeted at expats and foreign students.
“One was a typical Korean apartment with three small bedrooms, a kitchen, and a common ‘wet room’ bathroom.
“My current housing (goshiwon) is really popular among students and newcomers to Seoul. “They fill up fast, especially at the start of each semester.
I moved mid-semester, so it was a bit tricky to find a room, hence why I ended up with one of the smallest rooms.”
She said: “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’s micro-apartment is very basic but functional. It contains a single bed, a desk and chair, shelving, a small fridge, and a built-in wet room with a toilet.
Despite the small size, she finds it cozy and suitable for her needs.
She pays $328 in rent each month. There is also a communal kitchen and laundry room shared with other women on her floor.
This arrangement helps her meet new people while living in the city.
Lydia’s apartment is cozy and decorated with cuteness.
Lydia describes her micro-apartment as a “cozy cocoon.” She has decorated it in pink and purple, which adds a personal touch to the small space.
Even though the apartment is tiny, it helps her stay focused on her studies.
As a full-time student who also works part-time, Lydia is rarely home during the day.
When she returns, her little room feels like a comfortable retreat. “It’s really comfortable and convenient,” she says.
Living in Seoul is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming. Lydia appreciates her small apartment because it allows her to focus on her studies without distractions.
The minimalist lifestyle has taught her to prioritize what truly matters.
She said: “It’s really comfortable and convenient.
“It helps me stay focused, especially since I’m studying full-time and working part-time, meaning I’m rarely home during the day.
“When I come back, my little room feels like a cozy cocoon.
“I decorated it in pink and purple, and I think it’s super cute.”