I live in 7sqm micro apartment – I find the minimalist lifestyle liberating

A graduate student who moved into a 7sqm micro-apartment says she has found the minimalist lifestyle liberating. Lydia R, 27, is an international graduate student in Seoul, South Korea, where she studies business. The 2.5m x 3m micro-apartment, also known as a goshiwon, consists of a single bed, a desk and chair, shelving, a small fridge, and a built-in wet room/toilet. Before moving in, Lydia had to get rid of many of her possessions. But to her surprise, she has embraced her new minimalist lifestyle and is "loving it." (Photo: SWNS).

Freeing myself from hoarding

Lydia, a graduate student from Frankfurt, Germany, said: "I was honestly overwhelmed by how much stuff I had accumulated. It made me realize how much we consume without thinking and how little we actually need." She added: "I donated and gave away a lot, and it felt incredibly freeing." Lydia moved to Seoul just over two and a half years ago. Previously, Lydia lived in shared houses and standard apartments. (Photo: SWNS).

Living in a goshiwon

This is her sixth move in the city but her first time living in a goshiwon. Lydia said: "Four of my past places were 'western-style' apartments targeted at expats and foreign students. One was a typical Korean apartment with three small bedrooms, a kitchen, and a common ‘wet room’ bathroom." She continued: "My current housing (goshiwon) is really popular among students and newcomers to Seoul. They fill up fast, especially at the start of each semester. I moved mid-semester, so it was a bit tricky to find a room, hence why I ended up with one of the smallest rooms." (Photo: SWNS).

Changing lifestyle

Lydia had to downsize considerably to make her belongings fit in the 7.2m² micro-apartment. She said: "I’ve never considered myself a minimalist, but this lifestyle kind of made me one by default. And surprisingly, I’ve been loving it!" Lydia pays £256 ($328) per month in rent and there is a communal kitchen and laundry room that she shares with the other women living on her floor. (Photo: SWNS).

'It's comfortable and convenient'

Despite the space limitations, Lydia finds the apartment cozy and suitable for her needs. She said: "It’s really comfortable and convenient. It helps me stay focused, especially since I'm studying full-time and working part-time, meaning I'm rarely home during the day. When I come back, my little room feels like a cozy cocoon. I decorated it in pink and purple, and I think it’s super cute." (Photo: SWNS).