The government has decided to reconsider its plan to allow bathtubs in multi-dwelling facilities, including goshiwons (budget studio apartments), following a backlash from public opinion.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced in a press release yesterday afternoon (August 21) that it will re-examine the regulations easing bathtub installations inside goshiwons.
The ministry stated that the decision came after various opinions were raised through media reports and feedback from goshiwon users during the administrative notice period for the revised "Architectural Standards for Multi-Dwelling Facilities" announced on the 12th.
The revision included allowing the installation of bathtubs in goshiwons—which had been banned since 2015 to prevent rooms from being used like unauthorized studio apartments—and lifting the obligation to install desks.
While installing bathtubs was not mandatory, the ministry had pushed forward with the measures, explaining that it was "to ease regulations unrelated to safety by considering the diverse operational forms of goshiwons."
However, as news of the revision spread, strong opposition arose.
Critics pointed out that the idea of allowing bathtubs in cramped goshiwon rooms measuring just a few pyeong, where it is already difficult to fit a bed and storage space, was disconnected from reality.
Online comments included, "If you put a bathtub in a small room, how are you going to deal with moisture and mold?" and "Won't increased construction costs just be reflected in the rent?"
Furthermore, the controversy grew even larger as it came shortly after Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee faced intense public criticism for suggesting that abandoned buses be remodeled and used as residential spaces for young people.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport stated, "Moving forward in the policy implementation process, we will reflect diverse opinions from all walks of life to ease regulations in ways the public can actually feel."
Reported by Kim Taewon | Video by Na Hong-hee | Design by Lee Jung-ju | Produced by SBS Digital News
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