How Koreans Decorate and Live in Their Homes (2025 Lifestyle Guide)
Last Updated: June 2025
🏠 Introduction: Living Culture in Korea
In South Korea, home is more than just a place to rest — it's a reflection of personality, lifestyle, and practicality. As more people work or study from home, interest in interior design and space organization has grown dramatically. This guide explores how modern Korean households are decorated, arranged, and lived in as of 2025.
📏 Average Korean Home Sizes
- Studio (원룸): 15–25㎡ (ideal for students & singles)
- Small Apartments (오피스텔): 25–45㎡
- Family Apartments: 60–100㎡ (2–3 bedrooms)
Due to limited urban space, Korean homes tend to be compact but highly optimized.
🛋️ Korean Home Decor Trends (2025)
1. Minimalism Meets Warm Tones
Korean interior design often embraces a minimalist style with cozy textures and neutral palettes — think beige, ivory, and light wood. White walls paired with soft lighting create a calm and spacious feel, even in smaller homes.
2. Multi-Functional Furniture
- Foldable dining tables and wall-mounted desks
- Storage beds and sofa-beds in studio apartments
- Vertical shelving to maximize space
3. Scandinavian-Korean Hybrid (스칸디코지)
In 2025, many Koreans are adopting a style called "Skandi-Koji" — a fusion of Scandinavian simplicity and Korean softness. It focuses on balance, cleanliness, and natural textures.
4. Plant Decor
Indoor plants are a key element in Korean homes. Common choices include:
- Monstera and snake plants
- Pothos vines for wall decoration
- Mini succulents on desks and kitchen shelves
🧹 How Koreans Keep Homes Organized
Korean homes often appear tidy due to smart storage and cultural habits like removing shoes at the door. Here are common organizational practices:
- Entryway cabinets (신발장) for shoes and umbrellas
- Closet systems using baskets and drawer dividers
- Under-bed storage in small apartments
- “무지 스타일” storage bins from stores like MUJI or IKEA
Decluttering is a popular trend, influenced by Korean YouTubers and minimalist lifestyle influencers.
📺 Media Influence on Korean Interiors
K-dramas and home decor TV shows have a big impact on trends. Many Koreans draw inspiration from shows like:
- "나 혼자 산다" (I Live Alone) — features celebrity home tours
- YouTube Vlogs — popular creators show small home makeovers
- Instagram/Pinterest — hashtags like
#집꾸미기(#home styling)
🧑💻 Living Habits & Daily Life
Koreans typically spend much of their home time resting, studying, or watching online content. Key elements of daily life at home include:
- Home café corners: Espresso machine, mood lighting, marble trays
- Study desks: Compact but functional setups with desk organizers
- TV projectors or tablet holders for in-bed entertainment
- Yoga mats or home workout equipment due to space-saving fitness trends
🛒 Where Koreans Shop for Home Items
Popular places to buy home decor in Korea:
- Daiso: Affordable organizing and decor items
- IKEA Korea: Stylish furniture for small homes
- 오늘의집 (Today’s House app): Top interior shopping platform in Korea
- 10x10, H&M Home, Zara Home for trendier accents
✅ Final Thoughts
Korean homes in 2025 reflect a blend of function and aesthetic. Despite small spaces, they’re beautifully organized and warmly styled. Whether it’s a single-room studio or a family apartment, Koreans value comfort, cleanliness, and calm vibes — making every square meter feel intentional. If you’re looking for decor inspiration or cultural insight, Korean home styling offers plenty to learn from.
