Navigating
the Urban Dream:

Challenges and Realities of Relocating to Big Cities

Nevertheless, your dream shouldn’t be stopped here, if “normal-sized” accommodations are out of reach for us, there is another option: small spaces, one I tried myself in Seoul. Just like any other megacities, Seoul has undergone skyrocketing rent prices in the past few years. You see, in Seoul, small apartments are normal. The deposit being too high, young people without capital or coming from abroad do not have many choices other than moving into the so-called “one room”. In the same idea, have you ever heard of "Goshiwon" before? It was my first accommodation in Korea. Those places hardly qualify as rooms. It is the cheapest accommodation you can find, but consider yourself lucky if it's larger than 9sqm and has a window. I spent two months in one of these typical student rooms, and let me tell you, it was far from ideal. It was the perfect example of what didn't work for me. 

When I eventually discovered the ideal balance, it came with a price tag of an additional $100 per month and a modest $300 deposit. My second accommodation was a studio with a loft, roughly around 16sqm – quite snug, I must say. What truly made it work for me was the generous window and the smart layout. It might not have seemed like a lot, but I was able to save serious money, which enabled me to embark on unforgettable adventures throughout Korea and Japan.

Living in a smaller space does not have to be an end itself, it’s allowing you to live your big city dream with a smaller budget. 

However, you need to be comfortable and not feel claustrophobic, so how do you manage to choose the right place and organize your life in such a tiny space? You should indeed prioritize your well-being overall. So how to conjugate both? 

You may have heard of it before. But the tiny house lifestyle has now been up to date for a few years. And you can easily find information to help you in this transition. Let’s explore some together. 

First, I can vividly recommend you to check out Never Too Small’s YouTube channel, the channel reaches more than 2 million followers. Each week, they share videos showcasing compact living arrangements worldwide, urging urban dwellers to elevate their small spaces. Their publications showcase diverse tiny living environments, offering abundant inspiration and practical advice through ebooks. Originating from a global pool of ideas, their content features glimpses into tiny homes across cities like Hong Kong, New York, Tokyo, and Paris, presenting viewers with a spectrum of creative concepts to tailor homes to their unique lifestyles.

First things first: jot down this essential advice – size isn't everything (and that applies here too). What truly matters most are the windows and the natural light they bring in. Trust me, it plays a pivotal role in your day-to-day life. It's more than just expanding the space; it's like having a portal to the world right in your home.

Next up, it's all about the location. Embracing a smaller living space will naturally encourage you to venture outside more often. This opens doors to new adventures and opportunities to connect with others. So, aim for a place that's conveniently located, rather near bustling areas, or easily accessible by public transport. My loft in Seoul was situated in Sinchon, a student and vivid area where I could find everything I needed and more. Other Seoul areas were probably cheaper but further away from the «trendy places». 

The decoration has its importance in your comfort. Paying a lower rent will allow you to spend more on quality and personalized furniture creating a tailored-made space. 

Don't hesitate to experiment. Trying out different spaces and neighborhoods can give you a better understanding of what truly matters to you. Airbnb is a fantastic resource for this. Explore as many diverse spaces as you can before committing to your perfect cozy spot. It's all about finding what resonates with you and what feels right for your lifestyle.

This sounds like basic advice, doesn’t it? Getting inspiration is maybe the best solution. Look for it on YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest, and find solutions to store and organize your small spaces. Here are some inspirational accounts you should keep an eye on:

Instagram 

• gimssong_

• hi___yona

• slow_luu:

• sogontable

• soro_day

• behappier_s

• hannesmauritzson

• mi__co.jp

• hige_and_me

• __91230

• self_diy

• alderdn

Youtube

• Exploring Alternatives: https://www.youtube.com/@ExploringAlternatives

• Living Big in a Tiny House: https://www.youtube.com/@livingbig

• Never Too Small: https://www.youtube.com/@nevertoosmall

We made a Pinterest pin with our favorite tiny spaces to give you a glimpse of what you can create for yourself. Search for inspiration in megacities known for small spaces like Tokyo, Hong Kong, or even Seoul.  Keep looking for inspiration and permit yourself to be creative.