Thinking big, living small: how people across Asia cope with tiny homes
- Tight accommodation is a harsh reality for many residents of Asian cities where population density is high
- Four tiny home dwellers offer their thoughts on living small
SEOUL
Jang Dae-ik, 27, chief financial officer
Jang lives in a 356 sq ft studio apartment near Dangsan station in central Seoul. Built in 2013, the flat costs about 120 million won (US$100,500). Jang has given his landlord a 180 million won deposit under Korea’s unique jeonse, or “key money”, leasing system. The lump sum, usually between 50 and 80 per cent of the property’s value, is handed over instead of monthly rent, and the full amount is returned when the tenant moves out, meaning the owner makes money from the interest collected during the rental period.
“It would be better if the space were bigger, but I think it’s quite ideal for someone living alone like me. And since it’s in a central location, I have the parks and restaurants nearby. It’s very convenient,” Jang says. “I will probably move to a bigger place once I get married, but I don’t have any plan to find roommates to live in a bigger place … My flat is much more comfortable.”
HONG KONG
