INSIDE cramped goshiwon : a man pays $112 a month and has lived for 27 years | Undercover Korea

[@royhi1809]

The lady that owns the goshiwon has a heart of gold. God bless her and her family. She isn't doing it for the money as slum lord do. She does it because it's right.

[@PinHeadThePopeOfHell]

Which God are you referring to? Apollo or Odin?

[@nelliethursday1812]

​@@PinHeadThePopeOfHell Kwan Yin

[@lenajacobs501]

I agree. She truly is an angel being there and showing them that she cares about their well being. Bless her heart ❤

[@Justin-cn9hq]

​@PinHeadThePopeOfHell There is 3000 known deities man has worshipped so the list is quite robust.

[@jinkazama2555]

where is she in this video?

[@ndwolfwood09]

Thanks for showing this side of SK to us and that it's not just about kvariety, kdrama, kpop, or that glitz, glamore, and tech life... I felt bad for that guy who was stuck because of visa issues, hope he gets it resolved and reunites with his family!

[@Jibbie49]

Like others have said, his story didn't add up, but he probably came to the USA on a visitor's visa and then didn't return, so he worked behind the scene and didn't learn English or apply for a Green Card. In 2010 someone found out his situation, or maybe he did come back to Korea on business, but he didn't have valid papers to return. Since his wife had the child to care for, she stayed and we don't know her situation.

[@Siseggs]

In any country there is always poverty

[@Ercan-fc2oq]

Yeah agree, interesting to know that there is another side of Korea other than anime cartoons or Samsung smartphones.

[@kbeldobbellodob2896]

Kdrama also showed most of the reality life in SK. the dark side.... Ie: bullying, extreme hierarchy culture, cancel culture. If I see kdrama, it looks normal for violence, sex harassment inside working environment, school and society

[@ZxSpectrumplus]

@@kbeldobbellodob2896 Honestly, i don't like Korean culture at all. The crazy bullying, and bosses treats workers like slaves, seniors also bully juniors, and they just yell and scream at small matters, and rich people can go around slapping anyone without consequences, the cops all corrupted and instead of serving the country, serves the polticians....etc all this in kdrama reflects their real world culture.

[@alexl0890]

I'm glad goshiwons exist. It helps keep so many people from being homeless like in other countries.

[@simplyeric12]

Very true, but the problem is much deeper than just having low homeless: low birth rate, poverty (wealth gap), and massive housing crisis.

[@oodo2908]

Most Americans who rent at that low level are filthy. American goshiwons would be gross. And most of them don't appreciate charity work and fresh food. They'd be crying about getting fast food.

[@Scho-penhauer]

Do you think so? If you take a look at Seoul station or Busan station or subway shopping tunnels you'd be surprised

[@alexl0890]

That's nothing compared to what you would see in cities in the US with tent cities and broken down rvs and shit everywhere.

[@oodo2908]

@@alexl0890 I left the country early cause I saw that coming when they started stimulus checks. Sayonara US. The American goshiwons will be built but after the new welfare system and digital currency is established.

[@onewhoisaboveall]

i was in similiar situation with these people and lived in these goshiwons for few months till i got lucky and was able to rent a car and do delivery till i saved enough money for a deposit and moved out of there and get an apartment and get a regular job. now im living a middle class life with people and family who have no idea how i almost become homeless without these goshiwans saving me back then. man, this just shows how life is fragile and one event can turn your life for the worse or better.

[@tobyc8668]

Wow, are you a foreigner living in Korea?

[@ggerdagg]

How much is deposit?

[@beepboopbeepp]

@@ggerdagg In Korea i’ve read a lot of people take out loans for deposits apperantly deposits are quite large before being allowed to rent there

[@judymckee5992]

Know that feeling when I was 19 years old, renting somebody's kitchen with 2 others. I was there for 2 years and had to send 20% of my paycheck back home to support my siblings. It was tough but God in His mercy make a way for me. All these was 45 years ago and I made it, retired early and have travelled and lived in many places in the world. All these are possible through Jesus, who saved me.

[@jenniferevans2046]

@@judymckee5992Thats amazing! God continue to bless you in every way.

[@jai1675]

I teared up when the resident was crying because he feels like he should be helping people: such admirable compassion and sense of COMMUNITY. A man who has very little and STILL wishes to somehow help…. That sort of care and thoughtfulness for people is already more than people with money do to help others…

[@benbuilds6206]

This is communism, that is literally the social system that makes them resource to each other , not government, so government doesn’t have to deal with the consequences.

[@toddc6682]

He's grateful for almost nothing! Puts things in perspective for greedy Westerners.

[@taipao6661]

This is what happens when you live in almost literally a corporate slave driven country Kpop up the ass even using a girls with huge debt gimmick, entrance exams to get in middle school, to get in high school, the way people look DOWN on you if you don't get a corporate salary job, the strict usage of honorific to the point aside from your seatmates and made your division you would never use anyone actual names I can go on and one, but you're not here to listen to someone complain about the negative of Korean so I'll leave it here.

[@dansketch4603]

@@benbuilds6206 dude, which subject did you fail? History? Geography? Language and Culture?

[@benbuilds6206]

That’s the ones you did mr

[@MoniqueCarmack]

I lived in a goshiwon when I was studying abroad for one semester. I couldn’t afford the dorms during the summer and a Korean friend went walking around the city and called numbers for us to get one. It was small but it helped me stay in Korea for an extra two months. Paid less than 100,000 won for a month. While there I met a man who was studying for his bar exam. It was an experience.

[@galawangeut5133]

did u fvck the guy you met

[@carkawalakhatulistiwa]

😂And in comunis soviet union you can get 36m2 for free

[@피들스틱-y8l]

You had a very special experience. In fact, there are many young test takers in Korea, including lawyers and civil servants.

[@lenas6246]

@@carkawalakhatulistiwa sure, after you wait for 100500 years

[@Jagger_33]

It’s mind blowing how these people were such ambitious young people studying for a better future but are no older and still living the same life. That’s seriously scary. On another note I’m glad that these parts of Korea is shown as well not just a glamorous country.

[@liveinpluto7355]

The government dont care bout em. So annoying and keep pushing these ppl while the oligarch gain lots of money and live a good life

[@Jagger_33]

@@liveinpluto7355 That’s a serious issue the government should wake up in time or the gap will only increase and lead to a downfall of the country.

[@Scho-penhauer]

International fans of the Korean wave watch the romantic Korean drama and think it's paradise on earth. But the reality is far from that. Apartments prices are too expensive to young generation who don't want to get married and have families. Population is shrinking with old people becoming the majority. Jobs are very competitive with the longest working hours, bullying and stress are so common that make people take their own life. In spite of that, people in power don't make it easier for the younger generation

[@MrMannyhw]

Rich and poor gap has widen so much. Most Asian countries are elitist and no equity can be found.

[@EdithBABALOLAMRS]

See! That is why I dont watch Kdrama. They give a fake impression to the world. All the ugliness in the background is covered with handsome and beautiful cookie cutter faced actors and models. All of them spell despair to any Korean youth who is born with an average or even sad to say ordinary looking face! It isn't right at all...as a middle aged teacher, I know how much pressure young people with ordinary features face in life! Kdrama makers can also give ordinary looking people a chance to shine on the screen too please...

[@Clover_9777]

That old man who cannot meet his family for many years due to visa issue really breaks my heart. He's a kind hearted man which we can see from his gesture.

[@MachaLatte123]

He was probably in the US illegally or committed immigration fraud and once he left couldn't re-enter the US.

[@KunsangAlt242]

I hope he meets his family. Soon

[@MachaLatte123]

@@moralhazard2563 unfortunately his own family also probably overstayed their visa in the US, and they are not willing to give up their life there after decades by leaving US borders.

[@thumtlnguyen3626]

His case is not clearly mentioned here. They said he immigrated to the US that means he must be a permanent resident with his social security number. As a legal permanent residence status he must not have visa issue to return to US. He has visa issue which meant only one thing, he didn't emigrate to US legally. He just traveled to US under some special conditioned visa and he didn't respect his visa requirement.

[@dinh5532]

Yeah, his story though very sad, seems to be missing a lot. @@thumtlnguyen3626

[@sarahngghae]

I think this is why it’s important for South Korea to adopt WFH or hybrid jobs for white collar jobs. Workers will be able to work in their fields without having to move to Seoul or other urban places. I’ve heard of provinces in Seoul where their towns/villages are becoming ghost towns since most of the younger people are moving to urban areas. WFH/hybrid jobs could encourage younger people to move to less populated areas especially when housing prices are expensive in urban areas.

[@sn5301679]

Should be enforced by governments, like what happen in US and others, the companies want their workers back to office.

[@johnl.7754]

But then the wages might be lowered or outsourced to other countries

[@Soyboi0_0]

That would cause the commercial real estate bubble to pop and the big corporations obviously don’t want that , that’s why you see these companies pushing for Return to the the offices .

[@misterjay85]

What does white collar have to do with anything? Most of these people are of low skill backgrounds and some have been aged out of most of the workforce

[@Lenilugz5406]

They can't because most of these people are blue-collar workers and remote working or WFH are for certain professionals only. Even some professionals can't work remotely like those in the health care industry. If they want WFH in foreign countries to earn USD, the problem with many Koreans is their low-skills in speaking English and if they know English, the next problem is their thick accent.

[@forexdragon]

I've lived in one back in 2018 and it wasn't that bad for the month I stayed except for the noise, but 27 years is insane. I feel for these people. Lord help them.

[@TheAlizwa]

The man who came to Korea on business and couldn't go back to America because of a visa issue broke my heart. How is this even possible, is there no lawyer that can help him get back to his family? What is his wife doing to get her husband back home? I have so many questions.

[@starszasiostra6410]

Me too

[@juanaursua]

That is heartbreaking.. I wonder what caused them to deny his visa.. Hope he can get it so he can return to his family❤

[@93hothead]

Why can't he just locate an embassy?

[@lisal.5119]

Yes!!!!!!!!! It is driving me crazy. Can't the social worker connect him to someone at the American consulate in Seoul?

[@majykim]

Something does not add up to this man's story. If he knew he did not have a Green Card, why did he even leave the US in the first place? Also, how does his family are still able to live in the US legally? Why don't they just move back to Korea to live with him? As a Korean immigrant, nothing makes sense in what he is saying. There are so many holes in his story.

[@T1M6]

Every one of those people are a credit to their country yet they are the most forgotten. Working so hard whenever they can - paying off debt etc. They rightly have their pride, their families should be so proud of them. The two ladies towards the end ...what kind generous souls. To each one...I say thank you for sharing your story. I wish you all well .

[@LPL1221]

This is still better than the caged homes you see in Hong Kong or being homeless.

[@LeannsAdventures]

If my father was stuck in Korea I would do what ever in power to get him back to the states. 😢 I hope the older gentleman will be reunited with his family. ❤

[@ayayagami9311]

Same here. He must have been feeling lonely 😭 Being left behind and possible with very limited money

[@Gattberserk]

TBH states housing aint any cheaper.

[@capmidnite]

He might have been in the USA illegally this entire time.

[@Curlsl]

@@capmidnite if he was white would you be thinking the same ?

[@capmidnite]

@@Curlsl Maybe if he had a European accent or something I might think the same. It's not an issue of race. I'm taking the facts he admitted such as not being a native-born American and connecting the dots. Why would a person who has been in the USA since childhood for decades have "visa issues"?

[@withloveandlighthandboundb2819]

Thank you for making this documentary. I have learned a lot watch it. First time I learned about goshiwon. And it never cease to amaze me how people bounce back from adversities. Not giving up but trying to live and carry on. Also so much kindness all around too.

[@chainedunfree727]

It is heart warming to know that there a community welfare checks each day in these goshiwons for those who are cut off from their biological families.

[@swahilinomad9742]

This is crazy. Just how competitive is South Korea for such hard working people to meet such a fate?

[@ChristiansPrayingTogether]

We need Goshiwons in California in a big big way....this is much better than people living by the river and on the streets...

[@Lovely_Lady34]

I think there is something like it but try searching more in the direction of tiny houses community. Not anymore sure what they were called but they do exist, it's like some kind of hotel/motel situation. 😊

[@madecold5841]

I really am amazed by the lady who runs the 😅. She makes the residents feel like home. She is God sent!

[@PinHeadThePopeOfHell]

No she was just born from her parents. Why would anyone want to be sent from a narcissistic baby murdering bully? 🤡

[@gbritaney]

I loved the person who wrote a journal for almost 800 days! Then there's the older man who got separated from his family 😢 I can't imagine being away from loved ones that long. I hope he reunites with them soon! ❤

[@westsideroller1749]

26:17 I have so much respect for this man. Being forced to rebuild your life, to what may considered to be, within the most humble of circumstances is absolutely not for the faint hearted. Having to accept the loss or separation from everything you previously built has caused many people to feel as if life was no longer worth pursuing. The interview truly speaks volumes!

[@POV_ideos]

this makes me felt grateful evenmore and hopefully for those who is still dreaming of getting out of their situation to be succesfull one day

[@dania6288]

This is so humbling. Thank you all for sharing your stories. Appreciation to everyone that helps those in need. 🙏

[@celestestillings5556]

Sad that life is so hard for these people. Stay well and best wishes.

[@luissdstuff6381]

I wish we had something like a goshiwon here in Souther California where I live. There are so many homeless people wherever you look especially in Los Angeles. There are lots of working poor who work two jobs and live in their cars. A goshiwon would be a great help to so many people here.

[@xyz11zxc11]

Folks basically rent rooms instead in the US. And this is done frequently by students or young professionals looking to save money. It's a similar concept minus the community aspect of the goshiwon, and the prices can be more expensive depending on the area.

[@fivedesert3675]

Do you think they can afford 100$ 😂

[@sorrynormal6551]

@@xyz11zxc11 Sure Americans can rent rooms, for quadruple what these folks are paying for.

[@Brandon-ex8ui]

Koreans are different people, if these existed in LA it would be filled with crimes and drugs. Despite being impoverished, Koreans work hard and don’t resort to crime. Great culture. Unfortunately, that isn’t American culture.

[@LWin-ps8jp]

​@@Brandon-ex8uiIt would be a start. Many elderly ppl are living out of their vehicles now. Something like this would help so many be able to have a roof over their heads.

[@Clover_9777]

I get teary-eyed watching all their stories. I wish them happiness and healthy life.

[@KaleighMacKay]

Honestly wish they had this in Canada. Would love to have my own room no matter how small. I can’t pay 1500 to live with a roommate and save anything for my future

[@Qeisama]

The last shots showing many colorful lives within the Goshiwon are very moving. Some felt content, some felt hopeful, some felt energetic, some felt defeated. Whatever it is, live goes on and the goshiwon will be here to stay throughout the journey.

[@sunnybunnybunny]

I stayed in different goshiwon several times when I travelled to Seoul alone. all the goshiwon's I had been to are clean, have free wifi, rice & kimchi, can cook & laundry in the public area, which is really good for budget living. No need to worry for extra expenses for electricity & water

[@MrNick615]

Yes the USA desperately needs these, this may be a sad story but that man’s life would be one the streets here in the USA.. can’t even live in your car in USA for less than 500 a month counting food, gas, car maintenance.. probably 500 would t cut it..

[@salguodrolyat2594]

There are different levels of goshiwons. The Brazilian girl is staying in the goshiwons that foreigners get. It is about 5-6 times more expensive than the ones the ahjussi(sic) stay in.🤔

[@sunnybunnybunny]

@@salguodrolyat2594 yup, the cheapest one got sharing bathroom outside of the room. I've tried several types of goshiwon, from the cheapest, got private bathroom inside, until the biggest type that have mini pantry & electric stove inside the room. All are very clean & well mantained

[@션-r3d]

​​@@salguodrolyat2594it should be more for foreigners. Citizens should be prioritised

[@salguodrolyat2594]

@@션-r3d you are correct. I was just pointing out that foreigners who are expecting to get $112 a month goshiwon room will not get these goshiwon.

[@albertlam2433]

This is such a good video. It shows the ups and downs of life. It show that people that lived in these cramped goshiwon have a good reason why they're in such state. After watching this video I thought how lucky i am and I should feel very grateful for my current situation.

[@mamacitabella1759]

That last lady that bought that goshiwon is extraordinary. Thank you Lord, for sending good souls like that into such a troubled world.

[@shelo3360]

I really love watching your documentation, I'm glad that there's a place like Goshiwon for people like them who will not be homeless. Thank you for sharing this to all of us. Good job K-doc.

[@teomy5531]

Excellent documentary. May all these Goshiwon residents remain healthy and fulfill all their aspirations.

[@soggymoggytravels]

I spent 3 years of my life in one of these rooms. It’s the heat in them that’s most difficult to cope with.

[@issacnewton-k3z]

seeing this i feel so motivated and sad at the same time ,now i know what real struggle is ,at least i have my own home my own family who take care of my financial needs , this people are really so much brave and resilient doing everything to strive forward for their dreams

[@davidimhoff2118]

This story was really good to watch. I feel bad for the people who feel stuck and who want a better life. I am glad that there are people that don’t feel living in a goshiwon is an awful thing because it breaks my heart to know people are dealing with things like this. My bedroom is bigger than these peoples apartments and I live in federal housing in the US. The woman who prides herself with calling herself the goshiwon mother at the end of the video is a blessing. The fact that she makes them a meal on certain days and keeps things clean and really checks on them really surprised me. Especially with the man going through cancer treatments. I’m going through cancer and yeah it would be nice to have a friend accompany me but all of my friends just don’t think to ask because they are so involved in their own lives. She reminds me of my friend who is a nurse and has the same attitude about helping everyone. Neither one know how to help themselves but they will risk their lives for other people. She’s a beautiful soul.

[@jameskim3301]

영숙시 고맙습니다. 오래동안 고생하시며 이렇케 많은 분들을 가족같히도와주시네요. 부디건강하시고 행복하세요. You are a special lady and god loves you.

[@borahae1206]

I am feeling very thankful for my parents for owning a land and home in the city and also haivng a house in our village in the country side....I realise once again the privilege of having a roof over your head

[@malafazzle7966]

The programmer seems like a really cool guy to hang out with. He has a great spirit and attitude, I can tell he will find success in his life.

[@jalfredprufrock620]

This is a feature, not a bug. Seoul's housing prices are on par with New York's (mid-7 figs to 8 figs), but it has a lot more options for affordable rent. There's no hard cutoff of supply at the mid-1k point like American cities. Instead, there's plenty of supply at sub-1k ranges that you can afford while working a minimum-wage job. This is why Korea doesn't have a Skid Row or Tenderloin, and also why people down on their luck can bootstrap themselves up to the middle class without being stuck in an endless quagmire of extreme poverty.

[@threethrushes]

Good point. I've watched numerous documentaries on 'middle-class' poverty in the U.S., and it seems that one health problem can quickly lead to a slew of catastrophic life events. Life at the sharp end isn't fun.

[@팝송용계정-d4g]

The existence of Gosiwon also contributed to Korea's low crime rate. It prevents people from being homeless. The poor can seek to make the jump to the middle class by paying 200 bucks a month.

[@grifyn882]

its notthe same problem for skid row...the difference is in country/city tolerance to people on the streets...you can't set up your tent in the streets of seoul...try and the police will come to arrest you and immediately destroy your tent...and if you resist, you will be hitten...

[@jelanevillegas7009]

God bless the lady who owns the goshiwon. May she be blessed more so she can help more.❤

[@jesicaS7]

Thank you for the sharing. The Chinese landlord is amazing. She made me emotional 😢❤all the best to her.

[@SadalDay]

Production value for this channel is ridiculously good

[@alexandrajohnson886]

What a beautiful soul the owner is of that goshiwon ❤

[@starglowgetter]

i loved dad and daughters relationship. he is such a deserving man

[@Rochelle_Ballah]

The Chinese-Korean woman is an angel on Earth

[@jai1675]

Thank You so much for this documentary and for presenting it with necessary compassion… Thanks to all the residents who welcomed us into their homes and lives. What hurt my heart was when the residents felt like they ‘failed’ or that they are not as valuable as rich people: I feel the opposite! I feel these residents are valuable. We must change society and remove all shame for living on the smallest amount of money. I wish I could let these residents know there is nothing wrong with where they live and the hardships that changed their lives!

[@RayMak]

They are clean and well taken care of

[@irenecase7786]

I can now understand why the birth rate is low in Korea, maybe if the government addressed this housing issue first. Perhaps some of these top companies could build blocks of apartments at an affordable rent.

[@션-r3d]

rent in korea is more affordable than the US an most of europe including the UK But sure it would be good

[@Ali_b1009]

@@션-r3dbut the deposit is ridiculous. It could take people years just to save that

[@Itsallsotiresome]

It's simply just too difficult to achieve a high enough income there for the citizens to also have the time or living space to raise a family too for much of their citizenry. The job culture with the average high paying jobs often ends up being that they need to spend time eating and drinking with their coworkers and boss even after work until late night or early morning also, or they might get looked over for more accommodating employees in their career field even if they do their job well. It used to be that the wife or girlfriend would stay at home and take care of the child or children while the man works, but as society has changed and more women wish to work towards a career instead of be a mom, there has been some consequences, and that is one of them. Many people may not want to hear or see that said, but regardless of their feelings it is part of the result, and cannot and should not be ignored.

[@ayayagami9311]

The story of fhe man who used to have a successful business, but ended there because he needs to pay the debt of his son😭

[@threethrushes]

I can relate to this. I once lived in an ant-infested, tiny room in East London 20 years ago. Space for one bed - that was it. I'm sure it was a utility cupboard of the house in better days. Luckily, I was accepted into the university of my choice, and said goodbye to my six-legged comrades.

[@roxyglow9670]

I live in a goshiwon in Seoul. The thing is there are goshiwon and goshiwon. Some are bad and others are good with big rooms . Depends how much money you are able to spend .

[@Luvluna19]

I love to see people who are so selfless and try to help others , encourage’s me to be a better human being daily (I pray for better opportunities for them ) honestly ngl some goshiwon seems like a good place to stay while students get back on their feet save up money

[@divisiacaraa]

People of infinite patience and resilience, may God bless you all. And I also teared up when Lee Hi - Breathe played at the end of video!

[@starglowgetter]

i would live in a goshiwon, i dont have much family im in tears of joy how sweet the lady who owned the goshiwon is taking care of all her tenants, i know i was destined to watch this

[@jlogsdon1540]

As a person who has claustrophobia, I would go berserk the minute the door closed on me. And not even a window? Nope, nope, nope. Yet, I’m still glad those people have a place to live and they’re not homeless. I wish I could help every person there. 😢

[@ievac4539]

Well definitely depends. I'm staying in one right now. I also have claustrophobia. Perhaps it's a bit more expensive but I've got a window and get sunlight every day since I'm on the 3rd floor and it's a low-rise building neighborhood. It's not bad for short time living but I can't imagine living in one for years

[@soggymoggytravels]

Yes, I think it would have been particularly hard living in such a space during the pandemic. A few goshiwons come with big windows, and you can find more decent-sized ones outside of Seoul - e.g., there's a large one in Daejeon that I saw first hand.

[@serendipityandsarah4732]

@@ievac4539same. I’m super claustrophobic but staying in one now and I didn’t even know what they were called. But I love it and I’m in the best area. I take it for what it is and spend a lot of time doing stuff, I’m here a lot now since it’s cold and it is noisy but that’s about the only con. I’d rather save money non this trip. But for those having hard times, alone, ill and stuck, my sympathies. As small as my room is and I do have windows, manager said he gave me a wide room. I’d didn’t believe that but I’ve seen a couple rooms when people left their doors open and I was shocked. Without my windows and shower stall though I don’t think it’s be as manageable for me since some do have shared bathrooms. I do believe these rooms would alleviate homelessness in America but too much greed to offer a real solution which is sad.

[@elmakoundouraki3730]

Excellent work!you're lucky having goshiwons !in Europe Greece as it's my country people get homeless and without their dignity. I respect enormously your culture and kindness ❤

[@isaacyoung7889]

고시생활이 많이 힘들겠지만 희망을 잃지마시길 모든분을 응원합니다. 영숙아주머니는 너무 좋으신 분이세요. 항상 건강하시길 기원합니다.

[@oooyoo]

고시원에 사는 사람들의 다양한 이유가 있네요. 열심히 사시는 분들 너무 멋집니다.

[@sherenachua7243]

Thank you for making this documentary in a positive light, praying for better days ahead

[@ExLibris-Alys]

I wish I could help every single one of them especially the man who hasn’t been able to get back to America because of a visa problem, I cried seeing him.

[@vidyistgeil]

goshiwon are great it helps ppl have something to call home and not be homeless. i feel for all and they’re all fighting hard i hate how important money and time is in our society. i felt really bad for the gentleman who was separated from his family. hope he gets to reunite with them soon.

[@comewithmad51]

Love this channel Fc from Thailand.❤ Thank you

[@tksc154]

The Goshwin lady is doing so much for her peopls out of the kindness of her heart. Need many more like her.

[@DarnLina]

For people in USA, there are a lot of affordable housing developments who are making US' version of goshiwon which are called SRO units, also known as Single Resident Occupancy. Typically, the architectural design of these units differ as building codes in the states require compliance of these units to include windows in every habitable sleeping space, generally have more square footage floorspace, and typically include either shared kitchen and bathroom spaces or kitchenettes within each SRO unit. In the US' these places are still being adopted, but traditionally speaking, is not socially acceptable or acceptable by code and ADA/fire and life safety requirements to have units this small. The rent on these units tend to range at the $300-$400 range as they are subsidized through Federal dollars. A great example of where SROs are being built are in many major cities, but Portland, Oregon have several of these developments in service or being built currently. Just an FYI for folks who don't already know.

[@comatosebrose]

u will live in the pod and you will be happy

[@littlefairyland763]

300 400 dollar a month? It is not cheap

[@dennythedavinchi3832]

It need to cut down more space to make under $200.

[@stringfellowbalk2654]

They are just regular folks. Maybe a little down on their luck. South Korea is portrayed as a modern success, but it is good to see the struggle underneath. The reality.

[@leetcodeking4859]

I love this so much. We need this in the USA. Trying to live here in Seattle Washington. The cheapest apartment I can find is $4000 dollars a month. That is why we have so many millions of homeless people here in the USA.

[@dirremoire]

Won't work here. Certainly not all, but a significant percentage of the residents would basically trash their mini-,apartments. Fast food wrappers, the smell of weed, loud music, dogs, cats, roaches. You get the idea .

[@lori7358]

​@@dirremoireYou're so right. My daughter spent the summer in Seoul and she said the people are much more respectful than Americans.

[@serendipityandsarah4732]

@@dirremoiregoshiwon walls are paper thin, people still make noise but yes they in general are more respectful. Here there are rules and in America there would have to be also to not end up back on the street. But yeah I think some would ruin it for everyone.

[@dannnsss8034]

Whenever I feel demotivated, I should watch this. I am incredibly lucky

[@ttyytyy-vp3mo]

I wish him all the things he wants

[@maryg5982]

I have questions. With so many of these goshiwon residents being older men, did they never marry or are they simply divorced? Do their families cut them off if they are no longer wage earners or considered successful? It just seems very sad to me. I always thought that Asians take particularly good care of their family members and in some instances, I have seen it with my own two eyes, but what I am seeing in these documentaries from Korea and Japan have been eye-opening for me. There is a reason people marry and that is so that two can pull together and support each other. With the trend in Korea now to marry much later in life or perhaps not marry at all, I can see the small, lonely goshiwon life becoming a reality for more people in the future. K-DOC has opened my eyes to so much about life in Korea. It is not necessarily what K-dramas and K-pop and even KZbinrs who live in Korea would have us believe. Just like in the U.S., there is a lot of suffering going on that we don't see. I am glad to see churches stepping in and helping in many ways. It is hard to watch these K-DOC documentaries because they make me feel very sad and helpless and I know that the stories I see here are the same as stories all over the world and in some cases, in some countries, the stories are much, much worse. All we can do is to do the best we can to help others where we are and where we can make an impact. I challenge everyone to do that--to reach out in your city to organizations that really help people. Do what you can. We all can help alleviate some of the suffering of the world. We can't alleviate all of it, because people still have free will and unfortunately will sometimes make decisions where we cannot help, but for what we can do, we must do. I was so touched by the Korea-Chinese lady who tried to help her residents. I was so inspired by her heart for other people. We can all be like her, to the best of our ability, we can bring our gifts, talents, energyand effort to bear to help those we can.

[@stankiewicz1992]

This stereotype that Asians take more care of their elders does not apply to all of Asia. I notice that this is more common in less developed countries, where several generations of the family tend to live together and the younger ones take care of the older ones. It's like that in China, Vietnam, Mongolia for example... Japan and Korea are societies that were economically successful, but for some reason they lost their ancestral values and today they are sick societies..

[@maryg5982]

@@stankiewicz1992 Thank you for the clarification. The Asian families I know of who took good care of their family members were Burmese. It is sad that South Koreans and the Japanese have so many of these sad stories. I know it is not the case for every family in these countries, but it is disheartening to see these situations. There's just so much about South Korea that you don't see in the dramas and the variety shows: the numerous goshiwons, the suicide rate, the coffee girls and brothels, the Bacchus ladies, the churches offering meals to people who otherwise wouldn't be able to eat, the people who are homeless or who live in poverty, the shantytown at the old Olympics site, the single mothers who are ostracized and can't get medical care for their children, the fate of the institutionalized orphans. Of course, these problems exist all over the world as well. It's just that South Korea has come so far economically so fast and there is money in SK, it just seems like there is becoming a wider and wider berth between the haves and the have-nots and so many people are caught up in commercialism that they are willing to sacrifice their families. As for the many men in the goshiwons, I know that sometimes when they get divorced and/or abandon their families, the children intentionally won't have anything to do with them because it is considered very shameful. Korean people can also want to distance themselves from a family member who is obviously struggling financially as it seems to carry some type of taint. I don't have any answers. We haven't seemed to figure out anything in the U.S. about our multiple problems either.

[@pakhyun3777]

@@stankiewicz1992 what kind of nonsense are you writing? This is one documentary about goshiwons. They exist to help keep the homeless population down. Much better than all major cities around the world that have major not just homeless situations but drugs, alcohol, slums, etc. Korea is a culture based on noble teachings and taking care of all members is paramount. "sick society"? lol. What drugs are you on? The majority of Koreans take care of their elders very well. As you can see even those without family are taken care of in south Korea. Goodness. There are lonely people all over the world, advanced or not. There are many reasons as to why some people do not live with their loved ones.

[@pakhyun3777]

@@maryg5982 That is no clarification. It's just hate. Can't speak for other asian countries since they are all different nations and cultures. Asia is a land mass and not a single culture. Don't lump every asian into one. Specifically for South Korea, we take very good care of the elderly. This docu is about goshiwons. goshiwons originally started for students preparing for entrance exams so that they could concentrate without disruptions. Currently it has expanded to house people who are struggling for various reasons, economically, mentally, etc. The goshiwons are the better way to house single people who would otherwise be homeless (Seoul is very expensive). This is superior to what other advanced nations have. Homelessness is a major problem in all major cities around the world. Ever see some of the slums of the world, not inhabitable. Comparatively, South Korea is one the world's cleanest and organized nations. A lot of the goshiwons are of single men because it is easier for women to find alternate housing through friends, and extended relations or remarry. They are much more social than men. Korean men especially have a lot of pride and this can cause them to be too proud to live with others. They would prefer to live in a goshiwon by themselves no matter how small. Men have a need to have their own space for peace of mind, without the eyes of others constantly judging them. South Korea is a very competitive society and it can be stressful if a man has not achieved his goals in life. Furthermore, there are many reasons as to why these people live alone. Couldn't get married, divorced, alcohol abuse, mental issues, bankruptcy, gambling addict, etc. Not saying that this is the case for any of these people but some may have been bad to their own families and they were kicked out. This docu is on a very specific topic. It is NOT a docu on South Koreans and how we take care of our elderly. Comparatively, in this department, we do just fine. This docu is about goshiwons and how there are wonderful people who do not give up and try their best to live their best lives and keep dreaming. Note: a lot of the goshiwons are either all men or all women just to maintain comfort levels. This docu focused on a goshiwon for men. Accordingly, it would have been more difficult to have women agree to interviews. Due to South Korea's success, from time to time, you will come upon Korea haters. Know how to see the difference.

[@babyguevarra1225]

I have tried living here for 3 days. My only problem is that if you are a light sleeper like me because the walls are very thin you can hear everything from the other room.

[@jstanders6973]

What lovely people featured in this documentary. I wish them all health, comfort and enrichment 🌹❤️

[@silentrunning9847]

I think this is awesome! Wish we had this in the US! It would help people feel more of community and avoid being on the street. It's wonderful!

[@dirremoire]

Yes, awesome idea. It just won't work here from a health code pov. Us Americans are not generally known for high standards of cleanliness and sanitation.

[@themufasta72]

@@dirremoire Completely agree. Even in those tiny living spaces, it's still clean and well kept. There are areas by Seoul Station with homeless and yet their areas are still well kept and garbage is at a minimum.

[@whatsup4807]

I ever lived a student apartment in Osaka city about 5-6 km from City 2decades ago. The area= 7 sq. meter, too. Each month charged about 100 USD including all bills except electricity about $30 USD and Enough for a simple life at that time, but not enough for now about 3 times of that little box. NOW I used that little room as my future personal property guideline. Very secure

[@js0395]

the zoom in on the soap bar with hair is crazy

[@velveeta_underground]

When I first moved to HK, I paid the equivalent of USD$900/month (for a year!) to live in a 90 sqft/9 sqm subdivided studio. Surprisingly cozy 😂

[@MsWinterlife]

Despite the lack of space, these accommodation options are actually not that bad for singles who need a short / medium term solution. All of them seem clean and hygienic, and truth be told I have seen purposely built student housing that are smaller and in worse shape… Hong Kong has a similar situation where people sometimes have to accept such tiny spaces that they cannot even lie down flat to rest at night… Imagine having to cook right next to your toilet because there’s no other way to fit everything in, or living inside a bunk bed that’s enclosed in cages that separate residents from each other…

[@soggymoggytravels]

The ones in this video look good standard, but I have seen some pretty grim ones - human excrement on the stairwell, exposed wiring, sewage backflows. And, yes, I also rented a room in HK that had a cooker next to a toilet with no wall separation. I could also see and smell the sewage drain at the back of my toilet and geckos crawled in at night. It makes you appreciate what good housing is like.

[@OrvinReyes]

hong kong is a piece of shit

[@zerohero5753]

@@soggymoggytravels Yeah because the residents here don't have substance abuse issues like in Hong Kong. You have lived in Korea do you think substance abuse is a problem in some goshiwons?

[@soggymoggytravels]

@@zerohero5753 If there is any substance abuse happening inside Korean goshiwons, I haven't personally witnessed it.

[@serendipityandsarah4732]

@@zerohero5753lots of rules, my contract strictly says no smoking or alcohol. Strict rules on everything including visitors, trash, laundry and common areas. Drugs is a non No so it’s not even in the contract. That is a given. Doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen but there are cameras everywhere and also you can be kicked out and then they would really be homeless. Not only is this doc interesting but also the comments and peoples experiences. I’m in a high end area, I can’t speak for citizens or run down places. Sounds awful though.

[@woofy60]

KOrean are generally caring for their own people.. this lady must be God-send 한국인은 일반적으로 자기 민족을 돌봅니다.. 이 여자는 신이 보낸 사람임에 틀림없습니다

[@mischa6688]

The two last people, the father and the caretaker, it’s so heartwarming.

[@klnguyen279]

Some elder stories made me cry 😢 Hope they're still having a good life.

[@retest6658]

Goshiwon: Basically a korean style Capsule hotel.

[@myreasonforlife.9511]

Pea pods

[@ejej6384]

Atleast there's still affordable houses unlike other countries where it's illegal to sleep on streets but cannot provide affordable housing

[@elevatorface]

The guy stuck in Korea due to visa issues brings me to tears. I wish we had a better standard of living for everyone. I've had a hard life and the physical and psychological damage is unbearable over decades. Without good ppl to help you in your life, you are doomed. So many modest, hard working, friendly souls I see in this documentary. The good ones always suffer the hardest... I will keep good thoughts for these ppl. I never know where I'll be in a year's time but I'm grateful for a clean bed and living space right now. All we can do is stay positive the best we can and keep going. Once we get somewhere secure, we can help those in need because good souls are the ones that make the world wonderful. Never lose hope, lean on each other how you can, and reach out to anyone who can help because your life is so important and precious. Ppl who know hardship and are still kind need to be protected at all costs, and it starts from within yourself. Take care of yourselves, eventually we'll get out of survival mode, eventually we'll help others get through too.

[@birdania7]

Wow! I wish Canada would do this for people. We have public housing but it’s limited with a long waiting list to get in. Many homeless here.

[@OldMan-B]

Much like Hong Hong, except Hong Kong's living conditions is much worse.

[@janeprepper177]

Hey, ya gotta do what you gotta do. Goshiwon or homeless? I'm picking a roof over my head. 😮

[@TDK2K]

It's fortunate the poor even have a cheap option as a goshiwon. I think I could live in one for a month or two during solo travel. Sucks to be in one for years, but much better than living on the streets.

[@teawithuv]

영상을 제작해주신 K-DOC님께 감사드립니다. 이거 보고 많이 울었어요 ㅠㅠ

[@whalefall-vd5yo]

The American equivalent is SRO, single residency occupants. It's tiny studios with shared bathrooms. They exist in big cities like in Los Angeles, San Francisco. Another equivalent are the weekly hotels. In California, these hotels will force you move out every 28 days or so to prevent the occupants from claiming tenancy. These places are the last back stop against homelessness. The environment is more gnarly than in Korea because there's a fair fraction of drug addiction and gun violence among the tenants. In Korea, the tenants look quite tame compared to the US. In the early 2000's there was a drive to convert the SRO's and long stay hotels into condos and market-rate apartments. While it was great financially for the owners, it accelerated the homelessness crisis. The residents just moved to the streets and never recovered. It was so bad that cities like San Francisco and Los angeles created back stop measures to prevent the highly lucrative condo conversions. The tenderloin in San Francisco is famous for the homelessness but it also has a high concentration of SRO's. The city has prevented the owners from converting them to condos. One surprising place is San Francisco Chinatown. A lot of the chinatown workers live in these SRO's

[@stankiewicz1992]

I'm from Brazil, which is a poor country.... Honestly, I can't understand how in the USA, which is the richest country in the world, there can be so many homeless people or people living in cars!! How difficult is it for the American government to build cheap houses and densely populated neighborhoods for these homeless people? There is so much space in American cities....

[@bonclymew5069]

@@stankiewicz1992I live in New York City and I’m also upset by the homeless issue. It isn’t as simple as we think. Yes, U.S. is a rich country compared to other countries but that doesn’t mean we are all rich here. Right now NYC is overwhelmed by over 100,000+ migrants that came over the border from Mexico since the spring. NYC Mayor said NYC will be impacted by a $12 Billion deficient that will cut into every city service. We already have a shortage of affordable housings in NYC so where are we going to house these migrants families? This is a crisis in NYC that many people are upset with the federal government for not helping and with the migrants for illegally crossing into our country when we don’t have the resources to help our own homeless citizens.

[@dirremoire]

​@@bonclymew5069it's your own fault for voting in Biden. Trump warned you about this.( ps, there's nothing your mayor can do to stop it. It's only going to get worse)

[@lori7358]

​@@stankiewicz1992There's been government housing for years in the U.S. They get trashed and the neighborhoods become cesspools of violence and drugs.

[@junoskoding3896]

Very interesting. Am very grateful for having watched this.

[@kateg7298]

It legitmately looks like Bruce Willis's aprartment in the 5th Element. All that's missing are the places where you put your hands on the walls when the police show up.

[@danielmcmindes5112]

decades ago, there were boarding houses. during the depression this is the only some survived.

[@Matoakas]

That man being stranded in Korea, and have been 13 years awat from his family, and im sure a job and a whole life with kids and all. Still he is just humble, calm and well mannered. We sure could learn a thing or two in the West abt not complaining and being humble. Btw: These Goshiwon rooms. Are some available for short term? Like say, a foreigner. Say if i wanted to visit Korea, but for a longer time. Like 1,2 or 3 months. Is that possible? Can i, if i find one vacant, rent one? Cause $112 a month.. instead of hotels etc, this is perfect for those who like longer travels - not just 2 week vacation.

[@RC-bm9mf]

저도 고시원에 대학시절에 살았는데 좋은 직장 잡고 결혼도 해서 이제 서울에 아파트도 사고 빚도 다 갚고 아이도 낳아 잘 기르고 있습니다. 어떻게 헤쳐갔나 싶은 시절들이네요 그래도 고시원에서 혼자 3분 카레에 백세주 먹고 살던 때는 자유롭고 낭만이 있었어요. 고마운 쉼터였어요

[@동그란물-q3q]

The average cost of gosiwon in Korea is 100,000 - 300,000 won per month. It costs 100 - 200 US dollars per month. On average, you can expect to pay $150 per month.

[@DarkSev45]

Is there no air conditioning in these buildings

[@mariarak8328]

In London you can't even rent a room for that.

[@tigerex777]

Well it depends. Only Goshiwons in really poor areas are that cheap. If you live a goshiwon in a middle class area or business are minimum is 400,000 and it can go up to 700,000. I lived in decent goshiwons before and they were 450,000. I wasn't decided on whether I wanted to stay in Korea or go back to the States so I didn't want to get an apartment where i have to put down a deposit of 5million or 10million won and locked with a minimum contract of 1 year. So a decent goshiwon was a perfect solution.

[@zerohero5753]

@@tigerex777 At least there's cheap accommodations. In the States a person in a similar situation would be living in the streets, RV or a tent.

[@CrunchyTire]

I went from 1000sqf 2 bedroom to a 450sqf studio to be close to work and it was depressing the first week but honestly haven't even thought about it since then. I do have a lot of stuff in a storage shed but if I only had what was in the studio, its all I'd need.. People who romanticize tiny home living are probably doing it for the wrong reasons. More space is always good, its just not needed to be happy at home. Assuming you're a fairly clean and organized person of course.

[@AndeePandCompany]

I’m trying to understand the “bar exam repeal”, what do they mean by this? If someone native can explain I’d love that! ❤

[@tldrinfographics5769]

I think it’s old school bar exam for law practice which doesn’t exist anymore. It used to be the endgame for low-mid class people to become high class in Korea.

[@AndeePandCompany]

@@tldrinfographics5769 Thank you!

[@TheOrionpass]

Looking at this makes my troubleshooter brain think of my own future for - this could happen to me in my Singapore of future. Thank you so much for reality documentary for my study, presently 68 years old with job to maintain stable mind/body/soul to help brain to do its job - our survival in everyday being.

[@fledglingcrafter]

WHY DON'T THE FAMILY OF THE KOREAN MAN IN THE US SEND HIM MORE MONEY TO SPEND ESPECIALLY HE IS TRYING HIS BEST TO GO BACK TO THEM AND IT IS HIS BUSINESS UNLESS THOSE IN THE STATES DON'T CARE FOR THAT MAN. I REALLY FEEL BAD FOR HIM.

[@yomuthabyotch]

yeah he had to have done something irreversible.

[@majykim]

I think he might have fled to Korea after committing a crime in the US. There are lots of Korean-Americans that I met in Korea who had background stories that do not make any sense.

[@junkaeuru]

His story 100% doesn’t add up. Prob something he’s not telling us.

[@MumySofea]

I sincerely hope & pray all these people to stay healthy , be strong & get what they wish for.