March 19, 2023
Apartment Culture in Korea
Apartments have become the preferred residential option for the majority of Koreans. As of 2021, over 63% of households in South Korea live in apartments, and this trend is likely to continue. There are several reasons why Koreans prefer apartments over independent houses.
One of the primary reasons is security. Apartments are known to have good security measures in place, such as security guards, CCTV cameras, and restricted access to the building. This gives residents peace of mind and helps them feel safe in their homes. Another reason is the convenience that apartments offer. Most apartments come with a guaranteed parking space, janitors, and building managers who take care of the maintenance and upkeep of the building. Additionally, apartments often have public facilities such as a gym, swimming pool, and public bath, which can be used by residents. Moreover, an apartment app provides residents with the ability to control important features of their living space, including the temperature and lighting of each room, as well as enabling them to conveniently pay fees and check on visitors. Additionally, apartments offer convenient access to shops and public transit, making them an attractive option for those seeking a more urban lifestyle.
To gain a better understanding of the history of apartments in Korea, I highly recommend visiting the website created by Hyundai Engineering & Construction, one of the world’s top construction companies.
Changes in Housing in Korea
Koreans used to live in independent houses, from traditional Hanok and thatched houses to modern brick houses. However, since the first complex-type apartment was introduced in the 1960s, the government-led initiative to industrialize the country has accelerated the construction of high-rise complex apartments, first in big cities and later in small towns and even remote villages.
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In addition to the common apartments with simple interior design, more luxurious styles have emerged since the 2000s. These days, several top apartment brands exist, including Hillstate and THE H (by Hyundai), Xii (by GS), Prugio (by Daewoo), and Raemian (by Samsung). There is an interesting article on “What’s in a name? For Korean apartments, an awful lot.” As Koreans continue to gravitate towards apartment living, it’s clear that this trend will only continue to grow in popularity.
My Residence: Geoje Ocean Park Xii
I am pleased to introduce the Geoje Ocean Park Xii (거제오션파크자이 in Korean), the apartment complex where we are currently residing in. Constructed in 2017, this complex comprises of 783 households. In this post, I will be highlighting the key features of our apartment, such as its location, surrounding natural beauty, and friendly neighborhood.
Its Location on Middle of Mountain
First and foremost, I am charmed with the location of our Ocean Park Xii (or Xii in this post). Situated in the middle of Geoje’s representative mountain, Mountain Gyeryong (계룡산 in Korean), our apartment is 250 meters above sea level (see the photo below). This vantage point offers several benefits, including being a few degrees cooler in the summer and a few degrees warmer in the winter compared to downtown Geoje. Considering that Geoje is an Island located in the southern part of Korea, our place is much cooler in the summer and considerably warmer in the winter (with almost no snow) compared to Seoul. Furthermore, surrounded by an abundance of trees and located near the ocean, our apartment boasts clean air with a high level of oxygen (21.2%, as seen in the picture below). In contrast, the oxygen level has dropped to 12% to 17% over major cities, and low oxygen can adversely affect our physical health according to “The Oxygen Crisis by the Guardian”. The mild weather and quality air make this Geoje Ocean Park Xii the ideal location, especially for senior citizens.
Surrounding Natural Beauty
Our Ocean Park Xii is surrounded by a plethora of natural beauty. On the southeastern side, the Pacific Ocean and Geoje township can be seen from the edge of the complex. On the east side, tracks at various difficulty levels await us through the forest with abundant pine and cypress trees that generate phytoncide. They are perfect for both leisurely walking and speed hiking. On the south and west sides, the golf courses of the Geoje View Country Club (CC) are beautifully spread out, creating a spectacular scenery.
Lastly, the Sunrise Park (해맞이 공원), located next to the complex, offers several viewpoints where people can enjoy the ocean and city views. The stunning wildflowers that greet us at the viewpoints are not to be missed.
During rainy or foggy days in the summer, the Xii apartment complex becomes shrouded in mist, creating a romantic and ethereal atmosphere (see the photo below). However, after several consecutive days of gray skies, I began to crave the brightness and dryness of sunshine. It was then that my husband and I would drive to lower Geoje to find a cozy cafe near the ocean, where we could enjoy the warmth of the sun and soak up the beautiful scenery.
Diverse Group of Kind Neighbors
Living in the Xii apartment complex has allowed me to meet an incredibly diverse group of people, all of whom have become treasured friends. From those who keep a second home here to those who have permanently relocated, the residents come from all walks of life. There are young families with small children, retired couples like us, and even individuals working low-paying jobs. The community is truly a melting pot, with residents from downtown Geoje, big cities like Seoul and Busan in Korea, and even other countries like Australia, Germany, and the USA.
What has struck me the most about my new friends from the Xii apartment complex is their kindness and consideration. Mrs. Hanee, who I mentioned in another post (read Meet Fatty), brought us warm soups and various side dishes every day for almost a week when my husband and I were battling Covid. Her dishes were so delicious and reminded me of my mother’s cooking. Her husband, Mr. Chun has often taken us to several local restaurants and introduced new friends from Geoje and Tongyeong, a neighboring city. Mrs. Park and her husband, who hail from Seoul, are also incredibly caring. One summer evening, they took us to the Jukrim Beach (죽림해수욕장 in Kprean) and served us a delicious pork barbecue dinner with music (see the photo below). A retired couple from the USA have been great guides, showing us the best places to visit and dine. Other friends like Mr. Cho, who works at a nearby post office, and Mrs. Cho, a real estate agent, are always willing to offer their help and advice. Being surrounded by such kind-hearted people has truly enriched my life and inspired me to be a better person every day.
Can’t Be Better..
So far, our experience at Geoje Ocean Park Xii has been fantastic. We are fortunate to call this place home and cherish the natural beauty and friendly neighborhood it offers.
