Depressive goshiwon: how are the inhabitants of the cheapest accommodations in Seoul
For foreigners South Korea is known for its advanced technologies, impressive skyscrapers, delicious food and ancient traditions. However, there is a side to the country of morning freshness, which tourists don't see, for example, "goshiwon and golytely" — tiny, cramped, cheap housing, where they live poor Koreans.
South Korean photographer SIM Kyu-Dong (Sim Kyu-dong) lived almost 5 years in Seoul goshiwon when he moved to the capital to work, photographing the life of the local inhabitants. The photographer who came from a provincial town of Gangneung, there was no other choice, as the rent for goshiwon was low, moreover, there was no need to make a Deposit and pay for utilities.
In his detailed interview with Bored Panda SIM explained that it was inspired by this photo project, and he spoke about his passion for photography and shared his thoughts on what it takes to become a professional photographer.
The rooms in goshiwon very similar to Dorm rooms: have several rooms with a shared kitchen area and bathrooms, such housing attracted many students and migrant workers. Meanwhile, rooms in hositle slightly larger but much more modest. Goshiwon and hosital often in South Korea used synonymously.
Housing prices in Seoul is quite high, so the photographer was happy to pay only 220 thousand won (currently about 186 U.S. dollars or 169 Euro) per month for rooms to rent in Sillim-Dong. Depending on the district, the monthly rent in goshiwon or hositle may be different.
The rooms in goshiwon there is usually a bed, Desk and wardrobe, all the rest have to share with other residents. The vast majority of positely located in Seoul, but they occur in other parts of Korea. The quality of life in goshiwon bad, even if you have everything you need. It is not surprising that some of the people who live there, including a photographer SIM, often fall into depression.
According to SIM, he had "an uneasy feeling" whenever he heard the question, because the people meant that the place in which he lived, not "right".
SIM said that he was studying to be paramedic.
The photographer acknowledged that the project "was pretty tough" and that he wants to show his pictures at the exhibition or shown to the media.
Below you can see several photographer from South Korea, who in his pictures shows what it means to live in goshiwon and hositle.
Keywords: Poverty | Housing | Shelter | South Korea