Residents at Mangrove gather for a seasonal food event as part of a community program, sharing fresh produce, homemade sauces and dishes with neighbors. Courtesy of MGRV

When Enock Kim lived alone in a small one-room apartment, her remote job as a product manager sometimes left her going for days without speaking to anyone in person.

“It did get lonely at times,” the 29-year-old Seoulite said.

Seeking more connection without giving up privacy, Kim, who uses her English name professionally, found herself drawn to Mangrove Sinchon, a new kind of “co-living” residence that combines furnished private studios with intentionally designed shared spaces like communal kitchens, libraries, study rooms, home theaters and fitness centers.

“What I liked was the flexibility,” she said. “I can be alone when I want, but if I feel like socializing, connection can happen naturally.”

Since moving in last June, one of her favorite parts has been the resident community programs, particularly seasonal food gatherings where neighbors sample fresh produce ranging from heirloom tomatoes to different varieties of watermelon and share homemade dishes.

“It almost feels like a gourmet club,” Kim said with a laugh. “We eat, talk and discover new combinations together.”

A communal kitchen at Mangrove Sinchon in Seoul / Courtesy of MGRV

Kim’s experience reflects a growing shift among Seoul’s younger single-person households, as co-living residences gain traction amid the weakening of Korea’s traditional “jeonse” system — the once-dominant lump-sum rental model that offered tenants lower housing costs while providing landlords with interest-free capital, but has been clouded in recent years by fraud and financial risks.

“The instability of Korea’s jeonse market has been one of the biggest factors in this change,” said Jie So-rim, head of investment advisory at Cushman & Wakefield Korea. “As jeonse-related fraud and broader housing volatility have undermined confidence, more young renters are shifting toward monthly leases. And for many in their 20s and 30s, housing is no longer just a place to sleep; they want security, reliable management and built-in community.”

Source: Korea Times News