Tiny Studio Apartment Tour 2023 | Seoul, Korea cozy $450/month small home + Rental Tips

Hello and welcome to my first video and tiny studio rental in Seoul!
Decorating was definitely a challenge since it is such a small apartment and rentals in Korea have more restrictions compared to other countries. But through time (and a lot of Pinterest & KZbin scrolling), I slowly transformed it into a cosy space I’m proud to call home! It’s hard to pinpoint a specific interior design style of the place, but perhaps some scandi, boho and a lil cottage core aesthetic.
The two years that I spent in this home were filled with so much warmth and joy. Though I’ve since moved, it will forever hold a special place in my heart.
ITEM LIST (some links are affiliates)
Fabric/canvas Poster (패브릭 포스터)
KOR: tinyurl.com/5as78n8zAMZN Dupe: amzn.to/3Ix6J15 | amzn.to/3KiTuSK
Gallery Wall Posters (갤러리월 포스터)
KOR: ohou.se/productions/450738/se...
Plant Macrame (마크라메 행잉)
KOR: tinyurl.com/bdhdhatw
AMZN Dupe: amzn.to/3xs9k67
Comforter (이불)
KOR: ohou.se/productions/852982/se...
AMZN Dupe: amzn.to/3KesHHa
Desk Organizer (데스크 정리함)
KOR: tinyurl.com/56pwy7h9
AMZN Dupe: amzn.to/3IxVUMd
Wooden Rack (원목 2단 수납선반)
KOR: tinyurl.com/56pwy7h9
AMZN Dupe: amzn.to/3SacNjg
Throw Pillows (쿠션)
www.ikea.com/kr/en/p/gurli-cu... www.ikea.com/kr/en/p/roedarv-...
*I try to link international dupes where possible but I cannot vouch for them since I haven’t used them personally!
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 Opening
0:23 Layout & Challenges
1:16 Start of Tour
2:36 Bed Area
4:37 Kitchen
7:01 Entryway
7:39 Bathroom
8:15 Closing
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): tinyurl.com/2p9cus6a
1. The Long Ride Home: uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/the-lon...
License code: FPBCZ9W024F3OGRS
2. Delicate Daisies: uppbeat.io/t/sky-toes/delicat...
License code: DONXYIMDPHPCWFNH
3. Forgiveness: uppbeat.io/t/sensho/forgiveness
License code: RE0CH7D5OEAPWCJU
4. Dawn Chaser: uppbeat.io/t/justin-lee/dawn-...
License code: AMJSLDKT5UZIC8RL
5. Autumn Coffee:
Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!):
uppbeat.io/t/bosnow/autumn-co...
License code: 2EZMFSJH9JKV0YAX
6. Gently: uppbeat.io/t/sky-gienger/gently
License code: YXJQU8R8EOQSWNKJ
Contains images by rawpixel.com

[@abigaellin]

For those wondering, yes the deposits are indeed that high! In Korea, such deposits are the norm. The way real estate works here is quite different from the rest of the world. Generally, the higher your deposit the lower your rent (I believe it's a $50 monthly discount for every $10k, which I know sounds crazy to most!) There's even an option to pay an even higher deposit around 80% of the property value for $0 rent. Many people here prefer this option as they can take out a loan for extremely low interest rates so they end up paying as low as $100-$200 a month for a studio even when you include the interest! There are a handful of select options with lower or even 0 deposits but the monthly rent is usually higher. As for how people afford these deposits, I can think of a few options: a loan, savings, family.

[@charmainewalker8627]

Exactly

[@GS-lq2is]

Interesting! That deposit did sound crazy to me. Thanks for the explanation.

[@toyin2376]

Wow!

[@user-ed7et3pb4o]

So it’s basically like a mortgage but without the banks?

[@abigaellin]

@@user-ed7et3pb4o The loans are from the banks! Monthly rent here is supposedly lower than what it’s supposed to be compared to other similar cities. The huge deposits enable these lower rents!

[@jennycampbell5236]

Small apartments are always a challenge but at the same time they teach you that you don't need a lot of 'stuff ' to live happily and comfortably.

[@jemandjemand2362]

bs. they teach you to stay poor and live a life with no fancy things. thats all. keep the poor poor

[@tracyaskew1651]

I'm always amazed at how people can do so much with such little space. This was lovely.

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much! Low key the mover was shocked at how many things I managed to fit in there 😂

[@candicetran9620]

Minimal & keep clean Ppl is lazy or dirty, even give them huge house with backyard they can turn it to shitty.hole. Thats all 😅😅😅

[@candicetran9620]

Second, it suitable for young solo person or couple. Btw, it all about how ppl manange using their place. Keep clean but keep MINIMAL AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. ppl only need clean & safety place. Lacking of space or green, can go out in park or coffee shop or liberty. Mostly ppl is younhful, they only cooking for dinner & weekend. Theyre eat lunch outside & going shools for study or working almost 2/3 time of the day. Mostly comeback home at late noon, resting for shower & some cooking foods. So small place is not harsly for them. But it trouble if youre married, have kids. It can be hard & lacking space for kids & adults.

[@LilaVert-FR]

That's by far the best tiny space I've ever seen : warm, inviting, tidy, and with a lot of personality. You are a very creative person. I hope you'll share more in your new apartment.

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much! I’m working towards making over the new place! ❤️

[@vitalinaburan2376]

I love how you wrapped up this video. It is true, most of us aren't living in those spacious appartments which are so often featured in designer studio's videos. It is always important to stay downt to earth and be grateful for what you have. Good luck in your new home ☺️

[@abigaellin]

Yes!! I often see apartments that look so beautiful because they already came with great bones or have furniture that costs an arm and a leg that feels so unattainable. But with some effort, thought and creativity any place can be transformed to feel both beautiful and personal!

[@kittykatz3518]

It's a lovely space! I love that you managed to bring art into it with your gallery wall. It actually makes it seem larger. My biggest challenge is living with 7 cats and hoping they don't break or destroy every nice item I purchase!

[@abigaellin]

I actually had a smaller gallery wall before this and it DID feel smaller!! I don’t think I’d have the guts to from a blank wall to this though 😂 And oh wow!! 7 cats!! Hope they haven’t ruined anything too expensive!!

[@HRR76]

I have six cats. Five are well behaved and one, Lulu, is the Queen of Destruction. 😂 She breaks everything she can.

[@abigaellin]

@@HRR76 😂😂😂 I guess I should consider myself lucky that all my plants do is sit around and look pretty

[@shanashay1399]

I can't believe what an amazing job you did with this tiny space. It shows from the way you speak that you have a great personality - humble and appreciative.

[@abigaellin]

Aww thank you 🥲 Glad you enjoyed it!

[@kerryowen-holmes3719]

I love the calm clear way that this young person speaks 😊 Also her home is lovely

[@jingyr]

Love that you were able to put plants in a small space. 😁

[@liyuan492]

Love how realistic this is, yet still looking Pinterest-worthy! Very applicable tips

[@abigaellin]

Aww tysm 🥲

[@AccordingtoNicole]

Honestly, the footage from when the apartment was empty made it look dismal and depressing. But with it decorated and full of your stuff it looked adorable! You did a great job, and yes the plants absolutely add life and a pop of colour. Your channel is going to grow to be huge. I guarantee it. Your videos are top quality.

[@abigaellin]

Easily one of the sweetest things anyone has ever said to me! And just so encouraging ❤❤ Thank you so much really!!! 🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲

[@robynflynnlarge4672]

You did such beautiful work transforming this into a home. I love it.

[@abigaellin]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Magda-iz7po]

This was so wholesome 😊 Loved how you decorated your apartment! And beautifully shot and narrated 👌🏾

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much!! It really does mean a lot to me 🥲

[@sdmsdm7926]

I really enjoyed watching your video, watched it several times. You have great organizational skills & you made your space look amazing! I watch the videos of Benita Larsson, the Swedish minimalist, & I have to say that even though you keep it streamlined & simple, you do not deprive yourself of any of life’s joys such as growing plants. What landlord wouldn’t LOVE having a tenant like you? I hope you showed the Landlord your video, he would be so impressed with the potential of this tiny space. Bravo! Keep up the great ideas!

[@abigaellin]

I’m honestly so touched that you watched it MULTIPLE times! Thank you so much 💚 I’m so afraid to show my place to my current landlord 😂 She kept coming in to check out how I’ve placed my furniture the first week. Now, I literally avoid her at all costs!!

[@vsoraya]

@@abigaellin Oh, she is really that kind of landlord, lol

[@abigaellin]

@@vsoraya Unfortunately, yes :( She even told me not to lean against the walls because it'll leave sweat stains on the wallpaper?? (the side of my bed was against the wall)😂😂

[@karinamartinez9441]

When you have all you need and it’s organized, you have enough! Love it!

[@VancouverCatDogLover]

I love tiny apartments😊

[@alexandrastevens8892]

Your home was really lovely and you made it seem soo much bigger by your choices, a single bed that has storage is a much better idea than a huge double or king which a lot of studio dwellers seem to have and they take up so much room. Can't wait to see your new apartment 😍

[@abigaellin]

Thank you! If my bed was even just an inch bigger it might’ve taken up the whole room! 😂😂 Also my new place is up now!

[@alexandrastevens8892]

@@abigaellin will go and find it and I'm sure I want be disappointed. Thank you for your reply, it's nice to know there read 📚

[@abigaellin]

Aww thank you! Here’s the link incase you can’t find it! Japandi Wabi-sabi Living Room Makeover | Small Rental Apartment in Seoul, Korea kzbin.info/www/bejne/jGqUh5dtaMZ-grc

[@mlem6951]

It's lovely but at the same time, i'm always so blown away how people can live in so tiny spaces~ for so much money. My max was always the 30m²(322sqft)(which did cost me half the price) and am so happy now that i have my 55m²(which cost me ca 500€ warm] where i have a bedroom and livingroom for me and my two cats and also Friends who occasional stop by.

[@PrettyliciousID]

I'm Indonesian and I was so pleasantly surprised when you opened the cabinet under the sink and there was a bottle of Kecap Bango 😂

[@GradKat]

It’s cosy and very pretty. You made excellent use of the space.

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much 🥲🥲🥲🥲

[@bonniepwtf]

You did a beautiful job with that small space, it was very welcoming & efficient at the same time. I can tell you put a lot of thought into to it.

[@abigaellin]

Thank you!! 🥲 I would literally spend HOURS thinking about where to place things

[@Elena-cs3kk]

I enjoy watching tiny studio tours snd therefore I’ve seen dozens of videos. I have to say this is my favourite to day by far!! Tidy, cozy and smartly put together. I loved every second of this video

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed the video :')

[@dabombdiggity46]

I love how realistic you are about your challenges and how you overcame them in the space!! You did an amazing job

[@thatswhatisaidCA]

I love this! I think figuring it all out, the storage, decor - is kind of fun too. Well done! Hi from Canada!

[@abigaellin]

It IS indeed lots of fun! Thank you so much 🥲

[@Erintii]

I am absolutely amazed in how you used space! It feels more spacious than 12sqm. Tiny spaces are challenging and this apartment is a tutorial how to tackle a challenge. I couldn't enjoy living on such a small space but see how well is organized. I like space, but definitely can use some of ideas for storage.

[@kailovi]

Wonderful to finally see an actually tiny space! Usually people say "tiny" and then it turns out it's between 30-40sqmeters 🙄 The apartments I've lived in have been from 18 to 23sqmeters, so it's nice to see similar sizes or smaller for inspiration. Thank you!

[@abigaellin]

I totally relate! When I watched makeovers and tours on youtube I found my place to be significantly smaller 😢😢

[@VancouverCatDogLover]

It’s amazing that the deposit was sooo much!!! In Canada deposit is usually half the cost of a month price for rent. I pay 1300 for an apt that is 320 sq ft . It has a good layout and is actually a really good deal in downtown Vancouver. I love your place tho. I always wanted to visit South Korea. I love the culture/food/people . Have a nice day!

[@joyhjpark1238]

I am Korean, from Seoul and living in abroad country now. Your video brought me the memories of my home town. Miss it. Especially daiso! Haha. Thank you for sharing your story. I wish you have great experiences and good friends in Korea. Bless you.

[@abigaellin]

We’re like the same but opposites! Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you!

[@SandraHernandez-cn5nj]

She teases me everyday cuz I decorated my house all the time I clean and watch u tube on how to do stuff for my self and my place

[@sherrycohen1824]

You did a brilliant job! Are you planning to be an architect/interior designer/space solution/organizer? With so much talk about unaffordable housing everywhere, there is a tremendous need for your talent.

[@natuacollins3963]

I love how you cleverly maximised the space you had into something functional while adding warmth to make it a home.

[@gougou2169]

Kudos to you. You created a space that is warm, inviting and incredibly compact, yet comfortable. The aesthetic you brought to the place is really lovely. Well done. I would love to see your new home. Greetings from Melbourne, Australia. x

[@abigaellin]

Thank you!! Glad you liked it! It makes me happy to share my space with people. Also, my new place is out now if you’d like to check it out!

[@gougou2169]

I would love to see your new place. What is the link to it?

[@byronmak7943]

So much charm in so little space.

[@abigaellin]

Aww thank you so much ☺️

[@sdmsdm7926]

Abigael, you should be on an episode of Never Too Small you have so many great ideas of how to make the most of small spaces! I love that pillow from Ikea and the plant collection is just lovely!

[@abigaellin]

Aww thank you so much. I love Never Too Small!! It would be a dream to be featured :’)

[@theklav2914]

This is really so beautiful! Makes me excited to make my studio cosy❤ The most important thing is that you looked forward to go back to it!

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much! And yes, sometimes I miss it even after I’ve moved out. I’m sure you’ll do a phenomenal job with your place too!

[@elizabethjarvie6077]

What a beautiful space! I think the nicest one I've seen. How calm, serene, functional and pretty 🤗 ☘️🌱 I couldn't believe the "before" photos of the empty apt. & how you transformed it into such a pretty, comfortable, fun home!

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much!

[@darklittlepeople]

this was very cozy, functional and adorable, you did a great job !

[@abigaellin]

Glad you liked it!!

[@SandraHernandez-cn5nj]

I love my place with all my heart.i love my family and children

[@Ladythyme]

I love little spaces….you did a wonderful job!

[@catherinelam9381]

loves small house that can save time for cleaning lol. Thanks for the house tour so cosy yet functional

[@molinodeviento8598]

I absolutely love your cozy apartment! It is small, but it is full of light and it looks spacious because of the white collor. And everything there is so esthetically pleasing.

[@abigaellin]

Thank you! I’m glad you do!! 🥲

[@martajacak3248]

I love this place! The wall galery reminds me my first flat ever in Warsaw, Poland. It was 20 square meters, but in an old, nicely renowated building with ceiling at 3,5 m high, so even though there was not so much space on the floor, there was actually a lot of space on the walls 😅 it was a good time! And just 5 minutes walk from my University 😊

[@abigaellin]

Thank you! And your old flat sounds super cozy as well! Good thing it was close to university. I guess we gotta give and take when it comes to space, convenience and money!

[@genacarroll9791]

You did a amazing job

[@islandyyt]

You really made a small space your home. It’s lovely and welcoming.

[@jenniferrice5877]

I long to see your new apartment. Your storage is cleverly thought out.

[@abigaellin]

Coming out real soon! 😉 Keep an eye out!

[@trompijoe]

i loved the carton boxes as kitchen cabinet storage hack. gonna save me a lot of money. thank you!!

[@abigaellin]

Glad you found a helpful takeaway from the video! I find that if I fold the flaps inward instead of cutting them away they make the box sturdier! Taping them inside makes it even better 😉

[@Buaastroctyes]

Your apartment is so cozy!!!!

[@kalokayamvlogs5592]

I really love watching this kind of videos coz it really inspired me to clean the house and make some arrangement since my house is really have a small space too.

[@abigaellin]

Yessss!! Tiny home renters/owners unite 🙌🏻🙌🏻 I love watching videos of other small homes as well ☺️ Glad you got something out of mine ❤️

[@Tula1987]

Your apartment may not be big or “glamorous” but it’s beautiful and homey ❤

[@abigaellin]

Aww thank you so much!

[@riskia3956]

the wall near your bed is the cutest thing ever!!

[@abigaellin]

Aww thank you so much!! 🥲🥲

[@lyndalou2892]

This is a very well made video ! It was calming and pleasant and informative. Your studio is lovely., Great job with nurturing the plants and with organizing. ! Good luck with the next chapter of our life !

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much! Super glad to be at my new place & excited to transform the whole place!

[@jeonglee6007]

Love the video and your tips!! You made your studio such a warm and cozy place ♥️ Amazing🙌👏

[@abigaellin]

Aww thank you!!

[@Atypicalgirlsss]

you make the small space looking gorgeous!

[@sophiedereans]

Gorgeous!

[@colettemcwilliams1325]

You did a beautiful job on your apartment.

[@dodoki4773]

Finish watch already! Super good ❤❤ I like your editing as well ❤❤❤

[@abigaellin]

OMG thank you so much :') low-key embarrassed that you had to watch my super amateur camera work!! 🙈😂

[@pegahdonna]

I absolutely love this

[@jasonsantoro6347]

For almost 10k deposit, you should be able to do whatever you want.

[@abigaellin]

Haha I agree! Would you believe it if I told you 10k is usually the standard if not the minimum for studios! Larger apartments can cost 10x more but with lower monthly rent

[@TeeBoyd88]

I'm surprised by how much you were able to decorate considering the renter's nightmare of no drills/nails/screws etc. Thank you for the floorplan!

[@abigaellin]

Thank you! It definitely was a struggle but thankfully there are also workarounds on the market!! ☺️☺️

[@dianadundidit5343]

Very very good use of space!

[@nmbr6kid]

You did a wonderful job of expressing your taste and personality while keeping it tidy and uncluttered. Looks very inviting 👏👏

[@abigaellin]

Thank you!! ❤️

[@Yeraldine_88]

I love your studio ❤ it's well organized and you made it fit everything you need ! I really love it!

[@abigaellin]

Thank you! ☺️ Glad you enjoyed it 💖💖

[@jemmashome]

This video was so well done! Great job documenting the space, you made it so cozy and a space that was truly yours. You would really thank yourself for making this video in years to come, being able to look back at this wonderful time in your life :) thanks for sharing, and new sub here!

[@abigaellin]

aww thank you so much 🥲🥲🥲 and yes it really was a wonderful time. sad that i can’t physically take it with me but at least i will always have a piece of it in the form of this video!

[@aviajarehema7393]

Studios now especially in the large cities of the USA start at $600 and more per month.

[@mompreneurlife]

❤ cute yet sweet. Thank you for sharing your lovely home with us! I am picking up great ideas for compact, living and packing. Have a great day.❤

[@abigaellin]

Thank you! Glad that you found the video helpful in some way ❤️

[@susanchen6803]

What a comforting video!! Miss you lots!!!

[@abigaellin]

omg tysm :') I miss u too!!

[@emc1319]

This is really amazingly well organized and warm.

[@abigaellin]

Thank you!!

[@tammytsang3487]

Congratulations to you! You are quite talented in decorating and I am impressed with your skills and positivity.

[@abigaellin]

Aww thank you so much 🥲 It’s always fun to keep learning about how to make the most out of these tiny space!! ❤️

[@lifewithshradhaa]

Loved how you managed to play well with the space.

[@abigaellin]

Thank you!

[@meredithheath5272]

A lot of apartments have that stipulation that the walls are not to be painted, wallpapered, and no hangings on the walls - anything that would pierce the surface of the walls or ceilings. 😥 But, most renters ignore those rules!!

[@krisgarner4451]

You did great!! Love that apartment and love your attitude and gratefulness!! 🙏🏼❤️

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much!! Glad you enjoyed the video!! ☺️

[@mslysandraw]

Beautiful space. Very helpful too!! Thank you for sharing 🌹

[@abigaellin]

Thank you!! ❤️ Will be sharing my new apartment as well. Stay tuned!!

[@AnhVo-mv2pq]

So pretty ❤😍

[@shamrockgirl6595]

Your studio apt 👌 was beautifully decorated & organized. 👍

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much 😊

[@BE-bs8oe]

Lovin it, clever warm, peaceful, with those parisian dreams of hardworking Paris by Caillebotte and the Méditerranée, you did à great job sharing all the practical tips too.

[@abigaellin]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MariaCarabin]

Amazing work!!!

[@GabbyRocio]

Love what you did with the place ❤

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much!

[@veronicaverdesoto]

Nice studio and well decorated 😃

[@Goodfood-Goodmood]

So pretty room. I love it 🥰 🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🤗

[@57waterlily]

Super job! ! Great apartment!

[@amywoolsey6591]

Inspired!!! Great job :)

[@munamohd982]

It's beautiful and just perfect. You did a great job, it's cozy and a home 🙂

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much! ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

[@sos8686]

absolutly lovely ! what a great job you did !

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much!

[@lo-fidreamsASMR]

Wow you really warmed up this space! The hooks physics was so clever.

[@abigaellin]

Thank you! For the first few months I really didn’t know if it’d work but I’m so glad it did and I made it out alive! 😂

[@lorenazaragoza6411]

So cute!

[@islamicstoriesforkids454]

Wonderful clips

[@psycheinc-theSLC]

So beautiful, so humble - well done. Blessings always Psyche aka Psyche Thompson Uk 🌹

[@rebeccajames858]

Abigail its a GORGEOUS home you made it look BEAUTIFU XXXX

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much! I'm glad you liked it :')

[@LolaRabbit]

That 10k deposit is ridiculous! I would still be at home if the deposit was that high. You did a lovely job with the decoration. I hope you love your new apartment

[@abigaellin]

I definitely agree! It’s the very hefty price of living abroad in Korea I guess 🥲

[@jojijosette5946]

Your apartment is beautiful. I love it. I don't like big houses, I don't like space... it feels cold.

[@abigaellin]

Thank you so much ☺️ That’s one perk of living in a small space it feels cozier!

[@ChersJourney]

You did a wonderful job, thank You I got some cool ideas for my apartment

[@abigaellin]

I’m so glad you did!!

[@matthias8122]

Dang, that was a hefty deposit!

[@rosemarywilliams9969]

😍👏👏👏👏👏Thank you for all the great tips.

[@abigaellin]

I’m glad you found it helpful!! More coming your way soon real soon! ❤️

[@mitsumaki_forestlife]

What a beautiful and lovely room🥹🧡🥰🌷😌

[@abigaellin]

Thank you! 🤗

[@aryaiyagi]

Such a lovely space. You organized it so well :)

[@abigaellin]

Thank you!! It’s constant cleaning with such a small space but I try haha 🥲🥲

[@pjcameila]

Nice sharing, I am looking forward to seeing your new room tour.🤩

[@abigaellin]

Thank you! I love sharing my space with people 🥲 Btw, my new place is out now! 😉

[@andromeda1903]

this is adorable

[@abigaellin]

Thank you!! Glad you like it 💖☺️❤️

[@connieo3927]

Wow amazing. You are very talented. I don't know if I would had thought to be that creative.

[@abigaellin]

Thank you for your kind words 🥲 I actually knew nothing about interior design when I started! It’s a learning process but oh so rewarding!

[@tipsycat27]

That deposit is insane! Disqualifying tenants that haven't had years and years to save is some major BS

[@mercym1733]

Thanks for the tip about the hook.

[@abigaellin]

Glad you found it helpful! ☺️