"Did They Not Anticipate the Backlash?" ... Land Ministry Reconsiders Gosiwon Bathtub Approval After 9 Days [Real Estate AtoZ]

Amendment Driven by SME Proposals
Government Shifts Course Amid Youth Backlash

The government initially planned to allow the installation of bathtubs in gosiwon (multi-living facilities), but following public backlash, the plan is now under reconsideration.

According to relevant ministries on August 22, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced in a press release the previous afternoon, "During the administrative pre-announcement period for the 'Revision of Building Standards for Multi-Living Facilities' (August 12–August 31), we received various views on easing the regulations regarding bathtub installations from gosiwon users, related associations, and media reports. We will review the related provisions."

The core of the amendment is to allow bathtubs—which have been prohibited in gosiwon since 2015 to prevent their use as 'unlicensed studio apartments'—to be installed again, and to abolish the requirement to provide desks. Allowing bathtubs would be an option, not an obligation; if the operator wishes, they may place one in the room. The Ministry explained that the intention behind allowing bathtub installations was "to ease regulations unrelated to safety, considering various forms of gosiwon operations, in response to regulatory improvement proposals from small and medium-sized businesses."

A Bathtub in a Room Barely Fit for a Bed? ... Concerns Over Justifying Higher Rents

Seoul Goshiwon. The Asia Business Daily DB

Once news of the amendment broke, a strong backlash erupted. Many criticized the idea of placing bathtubs in gosiwon rooms measuring only 5 to 10 square meters—where fitting a bed and storage is already a challenge—as out of touch with reality. This also contradicts current residential trends seen even in 16 to 26 square meter studio apartments, where bathtubs are often removed to maximize space efficiency.

It also failed to align with the real-life routines of single-person households, particularly young people. These residents use showers much more frequently, and bathtubs are rarely utilized due to the burden of cleaning and maintaining water. In fact, installing a bathtub in such a cramped space could encourage humidity and mold, further worsening living conditions. Concerns also mounted that it could be misused as a justification for increasing monthly rents.

Some also argued that the government was prioritizing the profitability of gosiwon operators over the living conditions of residents. Although the Ministry initiated the amendment in response to SME regulatory improvement proposals, it did not disclose who submitted the proposal or whether demand surveys among residents had been conducted.

Under the Building Act, gosiwon are classified not as housing but as neighborhood living facilities, which exempts them from strict residential construction regulations such as requirements for parking and fire safety. Allowing bathtubs in these spaces could effectively turn them into high-end rental products that satisfy demand for studio apartments, with the only restriction being the inability to cook in the room. The government, then, would be effectively legalizing operators' schemes to raise rents while facing fewer regulations.

1 Million Won Monthly 'Premium Gosiwon' ... Affordable Rooms Disappearing

In fact, so-called 'premium gosiwon (stay)' charging monthly rents of 700,000 to over 1 million won are flourishing in Gangnam, Seocho, and university districts. These facilities, equipped with a washing machine, microwave, bed, refrigerator, and shower, are absorbing demand from studio apartment seekers. For operators, adding a bathtub to enhance the product's appeal provides an additional reason to hike rents.

The Ministry's public consultation page has also received posts pointing out these issues. One comment stated, "The amendment represents the worst form of impractical desk-bound policymaking and should be fully withdrawn," adding, "Currently, some gosiwon simply re-wallpaper, rebrand themselves as 'stay' accommodations, eliminate free rice and instant noodles, and then drastically spike deposits and monthly rents." The commenter warned that permitting bathtubs and abolishing the desk requirement could further be used to justify rent increases.

The commenter went on, "What is needed are practical measures to stabilize housing for ordinary people, such as cracking down on illegal price collusion, introducing rent caps, and strengthening soundproofing regulations."

Gosiwon were originally designed as study rooms for civil service and bar exam candidates. The rule requiring a desk in each room also stems from this. Today, however, the main users are single-person households seeking low rents—serving as housing of last resort for low-income residents, young people, and day laborers with little means for a large deposit.

The government’s removal of the desk requirement effectively acknowledges this shift in usage. Meanwhile, minimum area, daylight, and ventilation standards applied to housing are not required for gosiwon. As the trend of upgrading gosiwon accelerates and lower limits on rents rise, vulnerable groups desperate for a small, inexpensive room—such as a five-square-meter unit—are being pushed closer to the edge.

The Ministry stated, "Going forward, we will incorporate diverse perspectives from all levels of society as we implement policy and continue to seek regulatory improvements that the public can genuinely feel."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.