Trend of Coliving in Korea
In recent years, Korea, particularly its capital Seoul, has seen a significant rise in the number of coliving spaces. These modern living arrangements are becoming increasingly popular, especially among the younger generation.
Large-scale coliving spaces in Seoul can accommodate hundreds of residents, offering them the opportunity to live in trendy city centers at a lower cost compared to traditional apartment rentals. Additionally, there are colivings tailored for digital nomads, which, though smaller in capacity, foster a strong sense of community.
For digital nomads planning to stay in Seoul for over a month and looking to connect with like-minded individuals, coliving in Korea presents an excellent option, typically requiring a monthly commitment.
Coliving in Korea for digital nomads
Korea, particularly Seoul, hosts numbers of renowned coliving spaces. Most of these are located in Seoul, a city that houses half of South Korea’s population, underscoring the significant demand for coliving solutions.
With the increasing influx of digital nomads into Korea, it’s likely that more coliving spaces will emerge in other areas like Jeju and Busan.
Seoul Nooks, Seoul
Seoul Nooks stands as a cozy coliving space in Huamdong, close to Itaewon and Seoul Station. It fosters a sense of community among a diverse group of locals, digital nomads, expats, and students. The focus at Seoul Nooks is on nurturing global citizenship and deep, meaningful connections.
This community-driven haven holds monthly townhall meetings and encourages members to host their own events, promoting active participation and integration. Memberships start at a minimum of two months, highlighting the importance of becoming a part of the community.
The coworking space within Seoul Nooks mirrors the comfort of home, featuring cozy furniture and thoughtful amenities. This blend of a professional and homely atmosphere appeals to those seeking a workspace that feels more like a living space.
An application process is required to join Seoul Nooks, ensuring that all members align with the community’s values and ethos. This approach helps maintain a harmonious and supportive environment, ideal for those looking to balance work and social engagement in a close-knit setting.
Hopping House, Seoul
Hoppin House in Seoul offers a unique coliving experience, particularly suited for digital nomads and remote workers seeking a small-scale, cozy environment.
Situated in Yeonnamdong, near Yeontral Park and the vibrant Hongdae area, it offers a mix of private and shared rooms, a coworking space, and a garden. Known for its community atmosphere, it’s a great place for exploring Seoul and Korea.
More than just accommodation, Hoppin House is a hub for digital nomads, collaborating with Digital Nomad Korea to host events that help integrate residents into Seoul’s culture. These gatherings are ideal for networking and experiencing the city’s lifestyle.
The house is well-equipped for remote work, featuring phone booths, meeting rooms, and other essential office amenities. It’s not just about facilities; it’s about creating a community where members can connect and collaborate, blending professional and social life in a shared space.
Admission to Hoppin House involves an application process, ensuring a harmonious community. This selective approach fosters a dynamic, supportive environment for those seeking to balance work and leisure.
Hopping House official website
Local Stitch, Seoul
Local Stitch is a large and unique coliving space in Seoul, specifically designed for creatives and young professionals. Located in the trendy Seogyo area near Hongdae, it’s more than just a residence; it’s a hub of inspiration and dynamic urban energy.
The accommodations at Local Stitch, while in a slightly higher price range, justify their cost with lifestyle subscription services aimed at enriching the creative and professional lives of its residents.
Local Stitch’s 10-floor coliving space includes an underground parking lot for convenience. The lively reception floor features kitchens, a community room, and a gym, promoting a communal atmosphere. A brand shop on the first floor and a coworking space on the second floor cater to both retail and professional needs. Floors three to seven house private, creatively designed rooms for residents, while the rooftop offers a tranquil retreat with city views.
Local Stitch coliving offers more than just accommodation; it’s a practical option for those looking for a mix of inspiration, career development, and community living. With a coworking-only membership, it provides a specialized setting for creatives and professionals.
Mangrove, Seoul and Goseong
Mangrove Coliving has emerged as a popular modern coliving option in South Korea, particularly appealing to the younger generation. With five branches, including four in Seoul’s trendy neighborhoods of Sinchon, Dongdaemun, Sinseol, and Soongin, and one in the serene seaside village of Goseong in Gangwon-do, Mangrove offers a unique mix of urban and natural living environments.
The accommodation options at Mangrove are varied and affordable, ranging from dormitory-style rooms to shared spaces, catering to different budgets and preferences. This flexibility makes it especially attractive to students or digital nomads looking for affordable yet comfortable living solutions. The design of these spaces emphasizes both individual privacy and the benefits of communal living.
Facilities at Mangrove Coliving are geared towards enhancing the comfort and wellbeing of its residents. With features like enhanced storage systems, accessible kitchens, and dedicated areas for meditation and fitness, the focus is on creating a balanced living environment.
Overall, Mangrove Coliving stands out for its innovative approach to modern living, affordability, and strategic location choices. It’s an ideal option for young people in seeking a dynamic, comfortable, and enriching coliving experience in South Korea.
Borderless House, Seoul
Borderless House Korea is a unique and vibrant multicultural share house community, fostering cultural exchange between locals and foreigners. With a commitment to creating spaces where people from diverse backgrounds can meet, make new friends, and learn about different languages and cultures, Borderless House offers a dynamic coliving experience.
In every house, at least 50% of the tenants are Korean, ensuring an authentic immersion into Korean culture. This setup is designed to facilitate daily interactions and cultural exchanges, making every day a new opportunity for international engagement. The houses are arranged to mix nationalities from Euro-American and Asian countries, enriching the cultural tapestry of the community.
The main requirement for tenancy at Borderless House is a desire to communicate and interact. This ethos helps tenants improve their language skills through everyday conversations about each other’s countries and cultures.
Borderless House Korea official website
O-peace, Jeju Island
O-Peace Jeju, renowned as one of the oldest and most distinguished coliving and coworking space on Jeju Island, is known for its thoughtful design and focus on productivity. O-peace has 2 branches – Jocheon and Sagye, each offering a distinct experience of the beautiful Jeju island.
The Jocheon coliving is close to popular tourist spots and provides calming ocean views, enhancing the work environment. This makes it particularly suitable for remote workers who wish to enjoy beach life and a vacation-like atmosphere, while still benefiting from a comfortable and conducive work environment.
The Sagye branch, on the other hand, offers a view of a scenic mountain and is located in a walkable area with easy access to cafes and restaurants. This branch also includes leisure facilities like basketball and ping pong, adding a recreational element to everyday work-life balance.
The Benefits of Coliving in South Korea
Embracing Community and Connectivity
One of the key merits of coliving in Korea is the strong sense of community it fosters. Residents don’t feel isolated as they are part of a vibrant, supportive community, which is particularly beneficial for those living away from home.
Cost-Effective Living in Urban Areas
Coliving in Korea offers a more economical option compared to staying in hotels or Airbnbs, especially in urban areas where accommodation can be pricey.
Innovative Design for Modern Living
Many coliving spaces are located in trendy areas of the city and boast cool, modern designs. These spaces are not just about providing a place to stay; they’re about offering a lifestyle.
Cultural Exchange and Community Events
Coliving spaces in Korea often host events organized by community managers or even by residents themselves, promoting cultural exchange and enhancing the communal experience.
Challenges and Considerations when Living in Coliving in Korea
Living in a coliving space in Korea can come with its own set of challenges, such as language barriers and adapting to different local customs. It’s important for potential residents to be aware of these aspects and prepare accordingly.
For a smooth landing, choosing a small scale coliving designed for international residents is a good idea.
Language Barriers
One of the primary challenges faced by international digital nomads in Korea is the language barrier. While English is widely taught in Korea, the level of fluency varies, and many everyday interactions, especially in less tourist-centric areas, may require basic knowledge of Korean.
This can impact daily activities like shopping, using public transport, and even socializing with local residents. Therefore, it’s beneficial to have some understanding of Korean or be willing to learn the basics to navigate these situations more effectively.
Adapting to Local Customs and Etiquette
Understanding and adapting to Korean customs and etiquette is another important consideration. Korea has a rich cultural heritage with specific norms and practices, particularly regarding respect and social interactions.
For instance, there are certain expectations in terms of behavior at communal living spaces, dining etiquette, and interaction with elders. Being aware of and respecting these customs can significantly enhance the coliving experience and facilitate smoother integration into the community.
Legal and Administrative Considerations
There are also legal and administrative aspects to consider, such as understanding the terms of coliving agreements, navigating visa requirements for long-term stays, and registering with local authorities if needed. Being well-informed about these processes can prevent any legal or administrative complications during the stay.
Community Dynamics
Lastly, living in a shared space means engaging with a diverse group of individuals, each with their own habits and lifestyles. Navigating these community dynamics requires flexibility, patience, and a willingness to compromise and communicate effectively.
Wrapping Up: The Coliving Landscape in Korea
Coliving in Korea offers a unique blend of community, affordability, and modern living, making it an attractive option for both local and international residents, particularly digital nomads. As this trend continues to grow, it’s likely that coliving will become an even more integral part of urban living in Korea.
