By Lee Yeon-woo
Finding a good residence that fits your budget is a challenge for everyone. But if you’re alone in a foreign country with complex domestic regulations like Korea, the experience can be even more daunting.
"An increasing number of foreign nationals are moving to Korea, but finding housing remains a significant challenge for them. Even after settling in, there is a growing need for better services to enhance their living experience," Lee Tai-hyun, founder and CEO of HOMES Company, said in an interview with The Korea Times on Tuesday.
With the goal of offering a global lifestyle to single-person households, both Koreans and non-Koreans, Lee's startup operates a co-living space called HOMES Studio.
Each unit offers essential private spaces, including a bedroom and bathroom, while residents share communal facilities such as a kitchen, gym, laundry room and even a movie theater. The company also organizes social activities like running clubs and wine-tasting events, encouraging residents to connect with one another. About 20 percent of the residents are non-Koreans.
Lee is an urban planning expert who previously led large-scale development projects at Korea Land & Housing Corp. and Samsung C&T. While studying in Japan, he developed his passion for improving the lifestyles of single-person households and founded the company in 2015.
Today, HOMES Company operates a total of 1,500 rental units across domestic and international locations, including Seonjeongneung, Namyeong-dong, Wonhyo-ro and Mangwon-dong in Seoul, as well as Shinjuku in Tokyo.
Even alone, life is good: HOMES Company CEO elevates housing for solo dwellers in South Korea - The Korea Times
By Lee Yeon-woo
Finding a good residence that fits your budget is a challenge for everyone. But if you’re alone in a foreign country with complex domestic regulations like Korea, the experience can be even more daunting.
"An increasing number of foreign nationals are moving to Korea, but finding housing remains a significant challenge for them. Even after settling in, there is a growing need for better services to enhance their living experience," Lee Tai-hyun, founder and CEO of HOMES Company, said in an interview with The Korea Times on Tuesday.
With the goal of offering a global lifestyle to single-person households, both Koreans and non-Koreans, Lee's startup operates a co-living space called HOMES Studio.
Each unit offers essential private spaces, including a bedroom and bathroom, while residents share communal facilities such as a kitchen, gym, laundry room and even a movie theater. The company also organizes social activities like running clubs and wine-tasting events, encouraging residents to connect with one another. About 20 percent of the residents are non-Koreans.
Lee is an urban planning expert who previously led large-scale development projects at Korea Land & Housing Corp. and Samsung C&T. While studying in Japan, he developed his passion for improving the lifestyles of single-person households and founded the company in 2015.
Today, HOMES Company operates a total of 1,500 rental units across domestic and international locations, including Seonjeongneung, Namyeong-dong, Wonhyo-ro and Mangwon-dong in Seoul, as well as Shinjuku in Tokyo.
Even alone, life is good: HOMES Company CEO elevates housing for solo dwellers in South Korea - The Korea Times