Gov't to Reconsider Allowing Bathtubs Instead of Desks in Goshawon Amid Backlash

[Anchor]

The government has decided to reconsider a plan that would allow bathtubs to be installed in goshawon (budget studio rooms) instead of desks. The policy is being walked back just nine days after its announcement, following widespread criticism that it was out of touch with reality, along with a flurry of AI-generated satirical images.

Reporter Lee Tae-gwon has the details.

[Reporter]

This is an AI-generated composite image shared online.

A bathtub sits awkwardly inside a cramped goshawon room.

When the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport issued an administrative notice on the 12th regarding a revision to architectural standards that would scrap the mandatory installation of desks in goshawons while permitting bathtubs, various online communities and social media platforms were flooded with mockery.

Sharp criticisms followed, such as remarks that these spaces look less like goshawons and more like motels, or that the tiny rooms would end up filled with mold.

The government's intention was to ease regulations as single-person households continue to rise—with households living in goshawons or goshatels estimated at 158,000 as of 2022—but public sentiment was strong that the measure lacked practicality.

The Single-Person Households Association also expressed concern that the plan could simply increase the number of spaces that look like homes but are not actually livable.

[Kim Dong-hyun / Dongjak District, Seoul: From the perspective of someone who has lived in one for a month, it is quite unrealistic. If a bathtub goes into a room that doesn't even have a window in the first place, it's very likely to make humidity and issues like that even worse....]

In the end, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport announced yesterday afternoon (the 21st), just nine days after the administrative notice, that it would re-evaluate the regulation.

The ministry explained that the initiative was pursued following suggestions from small and medium-sized enterprises to alleviate regulations, but it is now entering a review phase as various opinions have been raised.

However, following earlier remarks by Democratic Party lawmaker Hwang Hee—who suggested converting retired buses into housing for young people before later apologizing—criticism seems difficult to avoid regarding whether the government takes the housing difficulties faced by young people lightly.

(Video Shooting: Kim Tae-hoon, Lee Chan-soo, Kang Si-woo | Video Editing: Kim Jong-mi, Design: Jang Seong-beom)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.