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Grad student lives in a closet-sized micro-apartment — and finds the ‘minimalist lifestyle liberating’

By
Ottilie Von Henning, SWNS
Published April 9, 2025, 11:06 a.m. ET

A graduate student who moved into a 77square-foot micro-apartment says she has found the minimalist lifestyle liberating.

Lydia Rouka, 27, is an international graduate student in Seoul, South Korea, where she studies business.

The 8 ft. x 9 ft. 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.

Graduate student Lydia Rouka in her cosy 7.2m2 micro apartment in Seoul, South Korea, furnished with a single bed, desk, fridge, and en suite bathroom.
Lydia Rouka is an international graduate student in Seoul, South Korea, where she studies business. Lydia Rouka / SWNS

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.”

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. 

“I donated and gave away a lot, and it felt incredibly freeing.”

Lydia Rouka in her micro apartment in Seoul, South Korea, featuring a bed, desk, and en suite.
The 8 ft. x 9 ft. micro-apartment is also known as a goshiwon. Lydia Rouka / SWNS

Lydia moved to Seoul just over two and a half years ago.

Previously, Lydia lived in shared houses and standard apartments. 

This is her sixth move in the city but her first time living in a goshiwon.

Lydia Rouka in her cozy 7.2m2 micro apartment, showing a bed, desk, and en suite, in Seoul, South Korea.
Previously, Lydia lived in shared houses and standard apartments. Lydia Rouka / SWNS

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. 

“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.”

Lydia Rouka's minimalist micro apartment in Seoul, South Korea, featuring a single bed, desk, fridge, and built-in toilet.
Lydia moved to Seoul just over two and a half years ago. Lydia Rouka / SWNS

Lydia had to downsize considerably to make her belongings fit in the 77 ft² 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 $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.

Lydia Rouka's minimalist 7.2m2 micro apartment in Seoul, South Korea, featuring a bed, desk, ensuite, and small fridge.
Lydia pays $328 per month in rent and there is a communal kitchen and laundry room. Lydia Rouka / SWNS

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.”