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

[@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.

[@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.

[@mamacitabella1759]

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

[@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.

[@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 .

[@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

[@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? 🤡

[@dania6288]

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

[@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

[@Clover_9777]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@SadalDay]

Production value for this channel is ridiculously good

[@RayMak]

They are clean and well taken care of

[@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!

[@isaacyoung7889]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@christinang1582]

The Chinese-Korean lady is so kindy hearted. She really taking good care of the tenants like family members.

[@jstanders6973]

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

[@kumarj4693]

Film can't catch the smells and minor visual details that make sights like these in real life, much more horrible than it ever does on documentaries.

[@naturboy]

The self respect all the residents have is inspiring. This seems like a real solution that couldn’t work in the USA. We are savages

[@js0395]

the zoom in on the soap bar with hair is crazy

[@MumySofea]

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

[@TCUK02]

They need something like this in London it’s definitely not ideal but it’s so unaffordable here

[@youtubeacc666]

Life is hard... But it's more hard for some people... This is just sad

[@beniirama4076]

7 square metre is a common size for a college students / workers here in indonesia major city. it aint so bad, just make sure you only keep what necessary for daily life. i've also live in such place several times. just like one of the dude above said, still better than living in a car 😅

[@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.

[@BrianHSC]

This is where Frontman was living in Squid Game. Where the brother found the card.

[@azitawasin592]

in 1st world countries and most developed there are always this kind of situation for low paid labors like here also in DUBAI UAE its so rich country but still we have this kind of situation for expat laborers just to save little for their family wayback in their home countries.

[@pragueexpat5106]

A message for Koreaboos: it's not all about rainbows and unicorns.., on the other hand I wouldn't living in a room like that for a while, the rent is about 1/7 of what I pay for my small (37 square meters) apartment.

[@AroundTheBlockAgain]

It breaks my heart to see people working very hard, yet they are forced to rent to live in such inhumane conditions because they are paid so little. People who got sick and lost everything. People who blame themselves and are ashamed about things they couldn't control. Yes, the documentary has shown us there can be positive community and connection in a goshiwon, but you can have those things in better living conditions, too. Studio apartments can have a program to check in on their residents if they wanted to. If this is all that the elderly can afford on public assistance, then the public assistance amount is not enough. If this is where sick people end up, this is not enough. I say all this knowing that my own country treats its sick and its elderly just as poorly, we just throw them out on the streets and into jails. :(

[@Ima184mm]

As a South Korean, yes I was living there once I don't recommend in living Goshiwon. Because the most bad thing is, If you are living in Goshiwon long times. Then it makes you mental disease like a Prison cell. 'depression', 'lack of confidence', 'Feeling of self-destruction' etc

[@ttyytyy-vp3mo]

26:00 that's a man right there

[@wadupjainc.6274]

Life is really strange, for a small developing country like Jamaica, with the skills that some of these people have, they would definitely be living better.

[@dblock6415]

I think GOSHIWON is the place of Miracle. Although they only see the hardship and feel the stress. For me this place is like a mother to me -with all the obstacles and difficulties that people facing every moment of their life- GOSHIWON is there to give them comfort and hope.

[@noseefood1943]

We need this in USA we have 600,000 homeless population

[@yomuthabyotch]

it would never work in america. a majority of american homeless are addicts. the reason this system "works" in korea is because many of these indivs aren't druggies nor have a serious criminal background.

[@the.marinator]

Difference is, these people aren't druggies like a lot of the homeless in the US.

[@yomuthabyotch]

@@the.marinator jinx!

[@lasvegasnevada7514]

@@the.marinatori was in Seoul for 2 months staying in the premium goshiwon like exactly the kind of bedroom she lived 17:12. I was pretty fine and most goshiwon have rules: no noise, smoking, no shoes inside (we have locker) etc. I was living with mostly college students both Koreans and foreigners. It was good and most students & ppl that lived there are considerate.

[@the.marinator]

@@lasvegasnevada7514 Oh I don't doubt it at all. Korea has a totally different culture there compared to here (USA).

[@MonaMoreish]

these guys keep pushing their bar exam until they reach the age of 50. at the age of 50 most of people were preparing for their pension fund, but they struggle to pay for everything

[@24POWERS]

Ahh. I love watching the future of America through the skins of Korea.

[@Anythingyoulike2013]

I charge £640pm for 6.5sqm in uk. (There is a communal kitchen, living room and bathrooms).

[@ggerdagg]

26:15 please help him 😢

[@Norma43299]

Due to a visa problem this gentleman could not come back to his family. That's crazy. But the border is open. So many delinquents, and people try to cheat the system to get money by having kids in the USA. And this man that had his own business was not able to come back to his family and business. That's wild.

[@somiboy6729]

Compared to those cramped rooms in Hongkong, these korea rooms looks spacious and immaculate

[@andreasirawan1906]

Thank you for did this documentary...

[@gamesong6600]

Population is going down yet density is going up. Mathematically there should be more resources for less people yet for a lot of people things are getting worse

[@raineedaytinyfilms]

I feel sorry he put that turtle in a worse situation than himself 😢

[@CokefishR]

42:40 that woman is a shining star

[@MukadisAymen-ui8fy]

How can resident of country live like this in their own country and that country still consider itself a rich country this is very sad 😢😢😢😢😢😢😢 the government of Japan and all countries who considered himself rich but they're resident cannot afford a normal 🏡 should be ashamed for that.....

[@NOSFERATU_ONE]

There must be another side of the car polishing guy's story How on earth can you lose everything in the span of couple years after a successful career like that? Did he gamble away everything he earned?

[@sandyt8981]

This video is so sad; most of them worked so hard all of their lives until their health failed. This is what happens when we glorify greed and "success" over our health and well-being. The goshiwons definitely serve a purpose, but I was wincing for the man fresh out of the hospital walking up the hill so slowly. The U.S. is far worse; we have SO many homeless people - some of whom just don't want to work but many others who can't or they've been priced out of rental housing by the relentless price increases from real estate investment trusts that squeeze every penny they can from the tenants.

[@williamxchau]

In HONG KONG the space he is living in will cost at least $500-600. We wished we had Goshiwons here.

[@ggggg67656]

In Australia, goshiwons would cost $2000 per month -- not $100 like they do in Korea.

[@RonLarhz]

Korean coffin homes. Damn. That guy that showed his face, he have a much better place and still only 112! I wish i can have that!!!! But fml i live in singapore. Singles will never be able to rent a studio for 112 alone!!!!

[@ArtOfMoney1]

He come we don’t have housing like this in America? Wouldn’t rent with so many rooms like this be profitable?

[@yury_kim]

lived almost a year in a room like that without a window coz that cost an extra 40 buck... btw, when you can't tell what time of the day it is, you start loosing your marbles

[@littlefairyland763]

If only becoming a young modern farmer is viral... It would be better

[@user-co8uf1mj6c]

I injured my knee, I don't wanna be homeless 😢

[@huntdusk]

even prison have better facilities than this "home"

[@MsJanetWood]

But, unlike a prisoner, he is free to go out and move about the city. Enjoy the bright lights. Walk through the beautiful parks. Enjoy being out in the fresh air.

[@TheJustinHit]

Anyone else think he's just living there for the cheap rent? And has no desire to actually pass the exam?

[@G70767]

18-19 hours a da6 of work - in a day with only 24 hours- I thought Filipinos are the only one working like a hoarse abroad in order to live & send money back home❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@IDemonPR]

Very well made video ❤

[@hanssanjaya6665]

In indonesia for 112 usd rent u can have large room with air conditioner with personal bathroom in the city. And with that money monthly i can buy a small housing in the country for 15 years term with 1000 usd down payment. Thank god i live in indonesia

[@tommypaget2294]

You can rent a 470 sq. meters house, in Thailand, in the countryside……not downtown, but, in the countryside.

[@ComfortFood7]

When we visited Korea, everything was cheap except for plastic surgery due to high demand for locals

[@orders69pizzas30]

tbh it's sucks but we need these in America, it would keep so many ppl off the street

[@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.

[@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?

[@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.

[@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...

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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

[@LPL1221]

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

[@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.

[@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"?

[@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. 😊

[@swahilinomad9742]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@celestestillings5556]

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

[@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! ❤

[@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.

[@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

[@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😭

[@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...

[@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.

[@sirvilhelmofyonderland]

2,000,000+ truck drivers in the US live in smaller spaces. In their trucks. I’d love a luxury apartment for $112 like this.

[@jameskim3301]

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

[@by4409]

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

[@TIENxSHINHAN]

They need places like this in the US to give people a chance to get back on their feet. As bad as East Asian capitalism is, society still seems to feel like they owe a debt to the people and should give back to some extent. In America, you're on your own.

[@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.

[@kyungshim6483]

I know this sounds bad, but I am going to go ahead and say it anyways. At least having these goshiwons means that these people won't be outside exposed to the elements like the homeless people we see here in the West. It's too bad that goshiwons don't exist or are not allowed to exist here in the West. They could help a lot of people.

[@mayhewfisher62]

I wonder if the folks who could use them here in the West would abide by the rules, written and unwritten, that it takes to keep such small quarters clean and civilized. Depends on the occupants, but I am afraid these sorts of quarters might deteriorate pretty quickly here.

[@mayhewfisher62]

@@TabeaSerenety kinda thinking California. Should have specified West Coast!

[@mariarak8328]

True that, they are a lot more affordable than room rentals in London

[@mayhewfisher62]

@@TabeaSerenety gotcha!

[@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!

[@alexandrajohnson886]

What a beautiful soul the owner is of that 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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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