The concept of "co-living" has emerged as a popular new alternative for many South Koreans amid a rising trend of one-person households in the country, with a growing number of tenants opting to live in well-equipped apartment complexes which provide individual rooms alongside shared living spaces.
According to official data released by the South Korean government, the number of so-called "one-person households" last year surpassed the 10-million mark for the first time, which accounted for over 40 percent of all registered households in the country.
In one such co-living complex in the capital Seoul, each unit features a private bedroom, bathroom, and a small kitchen area for individual renters, while other amenities like laundry facilities, a coffee house and a gym are shared by all residents.
Despite paying slightly higher rental fees, tenants are choosing to live here because their costs are offset by the savings they make on investing in home appliances and furniture. These co-living complexes also offer access to other day-to-day services and provide diverse common spaces where residents can interact with others and enjoy socializing together.
"Residents spontaneously organize various employment-related networking events in shared spaces like lounges and meeting rooms, and even host wine-tasting gatherings. While many want to have their private spaces, others hope they will feel less lonely by participating in gatherings," said Ko Soo-Yeon, head of marketing for one South Korean housing developer.
The demand for these complexes is rapidly on the rise, with data showing there were more than 6,000 of these co-living housing units available in Seoul in the first half of 2025, more than four times higher than the end of 2020. As this growth is set to continue, many analysts estimate that the number of co-living housing units across South Korea as a whole will surpass 15,000 by the end of the year.
Currently, most co-living complexes in Seoul are located near universities and central business districts, catering to the sizable student population and young professionals.
"If you can live with persons you can get along well with, I think co-living house is a good option. Most university dorms don't have a kitchen, but co-living houses are comparatively more well equipped with amenities and that's the reason why they are attractive," said one young Seoul resident.
The broader residential rental market in South Korea has also been attracting notable international investors like Morgan Stanley, highlighting how many global firms recognize the vast economic potential of this expanding rental trend.
S Korea sees new rental trend emerge as more residents opt for 'co-living' spaces
